Bridging Divides Through Dialogue: Lessons from Civil Discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
How do two leaders from opposing sides of one of the world’s most protracted conflicts sit down and discuss peace without anger or blame taking center stage? Dennis Ross and Ghaith al-Omari are influential figures in Middle Eastern diplomacy, each with extensive experience in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ross is a veteran U.S. diplomat who has worked under multiple administrations as a key negotiator in Middle East peace talks, advocating for practical solutions to foster stability in the region. Al-Omari, a senior fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, brings a Palestinian perspective, drawing from his experience as an advisor to President Mahmoud Abbas and a negotiator in peace efforts. Their recent participation in the College’s “Enabling Difficult Conversations” series took place on December 3rd hosted by the University of Virginia’s Jewish Studies department in collaboration with Middle Eastern & South Asian Languages & Cultures Department. This showcase is part of a larger series displaying how civil discourse can be achieved by delving into conversations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Civil discourse thrives on principles such as active listening, humility, and a commitment to constructive dialogue. These elements were on full display during the recent discussion at UVA featuring Dennis Ross and Ghaith al-Omari, who brought their extensive experience in diplomacy to examine the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both Ross and al-Omari highlighted the necessity of moving beyond entrenched narratives, demonstrating the power of dialogue to address even the most intractable disputes.
Ross underscored the unique challenges of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, describing it as a clash of "two rights — two national movements competing for the same space, both deeply rooted." He emphasized that the issue cannot be framed as a binary of right and wrong, advocating instead for pragmatic solutions that recognize the legitimacy of both sides’ attachments to the land. “A single identity for the state is not realistic,” Ross argued, urging leaders to embrace coexistence as the only viable path forward.
Al-Omari reinforced this perspective by reflecting on the deep emotional and historical attachments that both Israelis and Palestinians feel toward the land. “When an Israeli says the land is really important to them, they mean it. It’s a genuine belief. And when I say that the land really means something to us, it also is genuine,” he observed. By validating the perspectives of both communities, Al-Omari illustrated how empathy and acknowledgment are vital components of constructive dialogue.
One of the most compelling aspects of the discussion was the speakers’ willingness to critique their own communities. Ross called out the role of identity politics in perpetuating the stalemate, while al-Omari candidly admitted that Palestinian leadership must confront governance failures and shed the victim mentality that hinders progress. This self-reflection demonstrated how civil discourse can foster mutual accountability, providing a foundation for meaningful engagement.
Beyond the specifics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the event illuminated the broader potential of civil discourse to tackle global and local challenges. As Ross noted, “Anger is an emotion, not a policy.” This sentiment captures the essence of civil discourse: the ability to channel passion into constructive action rather than perpetuating conflict. Effective dialogue does not erase disagreements but creates a space where opposing viewpoints can coexist productively, offering a pathway to progress in even the most complex situations.
For students aspiring to careers in diplomacy or public policy, the event provided valuable lessons on navigating difficult conversations. Ross stressed the importance of analytical rigor and clear communication, while al-Omari highlighted humility and empathy as essential tools for building trust. Together, their insights reinforced the idea that civil discourse is not only a means of resolving conflicts but also a critical skill for advancing justice and fostering understanding in an increasingly polarized world.
By creating a space for respectful, informed dialogue, the College’s Enabling Difficult Conversations series not only illuminated the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but also offered a model for addressing contentious issues more broadly. As Ross and al-Omari demonstrated, civil discourse is not about resolving every disagreement in the moment—it is about laying the foundation for trust, empathy, and solutions. In a world that often seems divided beyond repair, their conversation was a powerful reminder that dialogue remains one of our most vital tools for progress.