The Beit Shemesh-Mateh Yehuda Lamitnadev Association sponsored a dialogue evening for the religious and secular population at the Meyerhoff Community Center, with the Gesher Association facilitating. Over forty people attended. The dialogue evening is an annual event for Lamitnadev, which views it as a means of recruiting new volunteers for social activity.

Participants viewed a documentary film featuring viewpoints of diverse members of the Israeli spectrum, including Yossi Beilin, Effi Eitam and a Haredi journalist. Gesher facilitators then led three discussion groups in a cordial atmosphere.

In response to participants' demand, Lamitnadev will be conducting a series of dialogue events to reduce tensions between religious and secular residents of Beit Shemesh-Mate Yehuda.

Tevet 5762 - December 2001