Bridging the Divide

From Polarisation to Connection….

This project is dedicated to addressing the growing conflict among individuals, families and
communities in the aftermath of October 7th 2023. Grounded in the principles of Nonviolent
Communication (NVC), it aims to build the capacity to stay in dialogue amidst deeply
opposing views thereby fostering deeper understanding and more harmonious connections
within and between communities.

Project Overview

As a trainer, coach and mediator using Nonviolent Communication (NVC) as a framework for
connection and healing, and as a British Jew, I hold a deep awareness of the profound
impact the events of 7 October 2023 have had on communities in the UK and worldwide. I
recognise the complex and overlapping layers of pain, fear and disconnection affecting
Jewish, Muslim and other individuals and communities. On all sides, people are seeking
safety, understanding and the right to live peacefully.

The tragic reality is that our wider culture often relies on language rooted in separation,
comparison, judgement and blame which only serves to deepen these divides. As global
conflict continues, polarisation and “othering” ripple through every layer of society, within
families and peer groups, in schools and universities, in workplaces, within and across
communities

Nonviolent Communication offers a powerful pathway for transforming connections and
alleviating conflict. Through training in empathy and active listening, individuals are
supported to engage in difficult conversations without resorting to disconnection or the
harmful dynamics of “who is right” and “who is wrong.” At its heart, NVC seeks to foster
empathy and build stronger, more resilient relationships. This work is not about placing one
community’s pain above another’s, but about recognising the importance of intentional,
focused spaces that create enough safety for processing and healing to begin.

I aim to work collaboratively with UK Jewish and interfaith communities to build the skills and
confidence needed to find their voices, hear one another and begin bridging the divides that
have deepened since 2023. By training and empowering community leaders, this work can
bring NVC into community settings and support learning to be shared and sustained within
communities.

Project Aims & Objectives

  1. To equip individuals with the skills, confidence and resilience needed to express
    individual and collective pain, and to engage in difficult conversations with those
    holding differing or opposing views.
  2. To reduce polarisation and isolation between communities, and to help bridge
    widening divides. This includes strengthening resilience and belonging, and
    reducing fear related to anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim hatred, confrontation, or harm.
  3. To embed within families and communities the transformative practices of
    Nonviolent Communication (NVC), fostering empathy, authenticity, collaboration,
    and mutual respect. This work supports individuals and communities to find their
    voices, be heard and understood, and deepen connection through compassionate
    and honest dialogue.
  4. To build long-term sustainability within local communities by providing ongoing
    NVC training and support to organisation and community leaders, equipping them to
    respond to the needs of their own communities and share learning within and across
    networks.

Working With.....

  1. Faith and Community Leaders
  2. University Mentors and Chaplains
  3. Youth Leaders
  4. School PHSE leads and mentors
  5. Interfaith and cross-community initiatives
  6. Peace and social cohesion builders

If the Bridging the Divide project resonates with you, whether you’re an individual or
part of a community or organisation experiencing conflict or division, or you’d like to
work in collaboration with me, I’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch so we
can explore, together, meaningful ways to foster connection and harmony.

get in touch