Immigration, Story, and Public Witness
Across the country, people of faith are confronting the realities of immigration—not as an abstract issue, but as a human
In moments of conflict, it can feel impossible to know where to look for clarity or hope.
At Faith Commons, we turn to people whose daily work is peacebuilding—leaders grounded in relationships, truth-telling, and a commitment to shared society. We are sharing three conversations: a public dialogue with Hana Bendcowsky and John Munayer, and two recent Good God episodes that give deeper insight into their work.
Together they offer a fuller picture of what Jewish–Christian relations, Palestinian theology, and interreligious engagement look like in this moment, and how these realities can inform faithful action here in the United States.
This event brings Hana Bendcowsky and John Munayer into an open, timely conversation about what daily life looks like for religious communities in Israel right now. Rather than offering analysis from a distance, they speak from lived experience—reflecting on rising pressures, shifting relationships, and the human impact of policies and war. Their dialogue highlights the quiet, often unseen work of building trust across deep divides and offers perspective for those of us seeking to respond with clarity and conscience here at home.
Watch the full conversation in the video below.
What does peacebuilding require when communities are living with fear, trauma, and deepening division?
In her conversation with George Mason, Hana Bendcowsky—Program Director at the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue—describes the Center’s work creating space for Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Israel to listen, learn, and rebuild trust. She reflects on how October 7 and the war have intensified polarization, yet also revealed the urgency of dialogue rooted in compassion and realism.
Hana also speaks to the tensions between faith, nationalism, and identity, and the parallels she sees between Jewish and Christian communities striving to live out their values in difficult times.
For many American Christians, the landscape of Israel–Palestine feels overwhelming.
In this episode, John Munayer brings clarity by returning to what he calls a “theology of neighbor.” He and George Mason explore the lived experience of Palestinian Christians, emerging themes in Palestinian theology, and why humility and attentive listening are essential for anyone seeking understanding right now. John offers vivid metaphors—from the olive tree to the weight of Holy Saturday after Gaza—that illuminate how faith can guide us toward truthful and compassionate engagement.
Across the country, people of faith are confronting the realities of immigration—not as an abstract issue, but as a human
Days from now Americans will gather around tables to celebrate our national holiday of Thanksgiving. Those of us with the