THE IMPACT OF JEWISH-ARAB INTERCULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL ENCOUNTERS: QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE PERSPECTIVES

This paper will report on the methodology and results of two case studies aimed at Jewish-Arab relationship building and transformation in the higher educational setting in Israel. The first case study was a pioneering course in Jewish-Arab Inter-religious Dialogue involving both Jewish and Arab students undertaken at Bar-Ilan University. Based on qualitative and quantitative results the efficacy of the intercultural approach for promoting perception change, transformation and relationship building was affirmed. The second case study evaluates the impact of current joint study of Jewish and Arab students in two courses in the health management program at the Shaar Mishpat Academic College. Data available also points to the positive outcome of these educational encounters which have been conducted against the background of the Corona crisis which has required classes to be held virtually and has also brought about the mobilization of healthcare personnel.