News 'Talking Straight' Highlights How Art and Education Bridge Divides Event features music from HGSE student, discussion centered on open dialogue about the conflict in Israel and Palestine Posted April 19, 2024 By News editor Arts in Education Disruption and Crises Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Moral, Civic, and Ethical Education On Monday night, Harvard Graduate School of Education hosted “Talking Straight on War & Peace: Art & Grassroots Work in Israel/Palestine.” Organized by Ed.M. student Uriya Rosenman, the event brought attention to the grassroots work Israeli and Palestinian artists are doing to promote peace through authentic discourse about the ongoing conflict in Israel/Palestine. The event was co-sponsored by HGSE, along with the Middle East Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Chabad, Harvard Hillel, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and Heartbeat.fm, and featured a Q+A session hosted by HGSE Academic Dean Martin West. Image opens in new tab. A performance by Dugri, a musical collaboration between Rosenman (right) and Palestinian rapper Sameh Zakout, included "Let’s Talk Straight," a song about perceived differences between Israelis and Palestinians that went viral in 2021. Image opens in new tab. "I have a dream, to build a school in a village to bring Jews and Arabs, Palestinians and Israelis, together to live off-grid," says Rosenman (right). "That’s my life’s goal, and that’s why I came here to study." Image opens in new tab. ”Education,” Rosenman added, “is the only way we can change something for kids. There is thirst for the work that we do." Image opens in new tab. "For us to be at Harvard, being here in Boston, is a privilege. I don’t take anything for granted," said Zakout, a Palestinian musician and actor. "I’m here to give a voice to my family." Image opens in new tab. Dr. Yasmeen Abu Fraiha, a fellow at the Middle East Initiative at Harvard who has worked to improve Bedouin lives and shared society in Israel, spoke about her experiences as a doctor during the violence of October 7. Image opens in new tab. Romy Neumark, a 2023 Nieman fellow, offered perspective on the Israeli media landscape and how, as a TV news anchor, she approached covering tragic events. News The latest research, perspectives, and highlights from the Harvard Graduate School of Education Explore All Articles Related Articles Education Now Keeping Our Schools Healthy Experts in education and public health came together to discuss ways districts, schools, and families can put health first when navigating this complex school year. Education Now Navigating Tensions Over Teaching Race and Racism A discussion on how schools, educators, and families can navigate the continued politicization and tensions around teaching and talking about race, racism, diversity, and equity. Education Now Teaching and Learning with Compassion Finding empathy, battling compassion fatigue, and teaching amid uncertainty — a conversation exploring some of the challenges teachers are confronting in classrooms today.