#RadChat – Israel-Palestine War, Social Work and Human Services Worn in Volatile Times.

December 7, 2023
8:00 – 9:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

REGISTER TODAY

Considering the trauma, divisiveness, and steep rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism following the October 7th Hamas attack, this #RadChat tonight comes from a desire to hold a dialogue on this war. This hour-long chat will have small group discussions focused on these 3 questions:

  1. How has life been for you since October 7th?
  2. Has the war been an issue in your workplace, with those you serve, or in the classroom?
  3. Social workers often talk about their commitment to social change and the fundamental social work value of social justice. How do we continue to hold to this value in our practices with the current divisiveness resulting from this war?

Suggested Readings

November 5, 2023 NPR report:
“The Israel-Hamas war has not quashed their compassion, their empathy, their hope”
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/11/05/1209976575/israel-hamas-war-hope-empathy-personal-stories

November 4, 2023 CBC Canada First Person article:
“I used to work for an Israeli NGO promoting peace with Palestinians. Was it worth it?”
Her grandparents were able to rebuild their lives in peace after the Holocaust,“without hate and the need for retribution.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/first-person-peace-ngo-worker-1.7024631

November 3, 2023 Reimagining Social Work in Aotearoa article: “Raed’s last message to the IFSW”
A Palestinian social worker’s letter to the IFSW, excoriating their neutral stance:
https://reimaginingsocialwork.nz/2023/11/02/raeds-last-message-to-the-ifsw/

Please note that this chat has limited space, so register early!

#RadChat Co-Hosts

Tanya Burgess, LMSW(she/her) is a third-year social work PhD student at Arizona State University. She is a member of the SWAA steering committee and is dedicated to racial health equity, human rights, and societal change.
Pat Shelly, MSW (she/her), is Director of Community Engagement and Expansion at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. She promotes macro social work opportunities for students through trips to Albany NY, Washington DC and the United Nations. Pat sits on the SWAA National Steering Committee.