LOCAL EDUCATORS STUDY CONFLICT EDUCATION

A nonprofit focused on Israel education across America has launched a conflict education program, and among the participants are several educators from Jewish Milwaukee.

The iCenter’s November cohort participants include Tova Blasberg, Camp Interlaken JCC assistant director; Tehila Cohen, Camp Interlaken JCC (seasonally) village director; Colleen Coveney, Milwaukee Jewish Day School Upper School social studies teacher; Mara Kleiman, Milwaukee Jewish Day School director of Jewish life and learning; and Yoni Schlussel, Milwaukee Jewish Day School Jewish studies teacher.

The conflict education initiative, called Conflicts of Interest, addresses key issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a 20-hour intensive certificate program. Participants explore multiple perspectives on the conflict through primary sources and develop skills for facilitating respectful discourse, according to a news release.

“The world around us has changed, and there is a clear need for Jewish educators to experience firsthand approachable ways to engage in conflict education. They are searching for more knowledge, frameworks and confidence to do this work effectively,” said Ari Feinstein who manages the Conflicts of Interest initiative.

Since the initiative launched in August 2023, more than 200 educators have been certified. This month and in January 2025, The iCenter will be training another 200 educators. There’s a lengthy waiting list for the program, according to the nonprofit, which is based in Northbrook, Ill.

“Conflict Education is an essential tool for Jewish and Israel educators”, said Anne Lanski, CEO of The iCenter.