Join us for a Community Conversation with Raja Khouri to Explore Paths to Justice, Understanding, and Peace for Israelis and Palestinians

PORTAGE, Mich. — The Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC) of Portage will host a community conversation with author, human rights advocate, and social innovator Raja Khouri on Sunday, June 28, at 1:00 p.m. at the church, located on Shaver Road in Portage.

Titled “Peace, Justice, and Equity for Israelis and Palestinians,” the event will examine the complex realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the ongoing war in Gaza through the lens of dialogue, empathy, and mutual understanding.

Khouri is the co-author of The Wall Between: What Jews and Palestinians Don’t Want to Know About Each Other, an acclaimed book that explores the historical traumas, identities, and narratives that often divide Jewish and Palestinian communities. Written with Jewish educator Dr. Jeffrey Wilkinson, the book calls for deeper listening and honest engagement across longstanding divides.

As the war in Gaza continues to shape public discourse, deepen polarization, and raise urgent humanitarian and moral questions around the world, this program offers an opportunity for thoughtful conversation grounded in shared humanity.

Drawing on his extensive experience in human rights, intercultural relations, and conflict resolution, Khouri will discuss how competing narratives influence conversations about Israel and Palestine and what it may take to move beyond polarization toward justice, dignity, and mutual recognition. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session and community discussion.

Khouri is the founder and CEO of Khouri Conversations, founding president of the Canadian Arab Institute, and a former commissioner with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, where he served for ten years. He is also a Canada Committee member of Human Rights Watch and co-founder of the Canadian Arab/Jewish Leadership Dialogue Group.

Since the publication of The Wall Between in October 2023, Khouri and Wilkinson have spoken at universities, workplaces, school districts, places of worship, and community gatherings throughout North America. They have also appeared at major literary events, including the Toronto International Festival of Authors and the Vancouver Writers Festival.

A second edition of their book, The Wall Between: How October 7 and Gaza Have Shifted the Narratives, is scheduled for release on June 9, 2026.

The event is open to all members of the community who are seeking a deeper understanding of the conflict and the human realities behind the headlines.

For more information, contact the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Portage at uucommunity@gmail.com.