The Palestinian-Israeli Dialogue Society (EUPIDS) has shaped a uniquely inclusive and dynamic space at Edinburgh that is making waves across the United Kingdom.
Our Mission.
The Edinburgh University Palestinian-Israeli Dialogue Society (EUPIDS) was founded in 2018 to create an alternative to the polarised discussions that often divide campuses. The aim was and is to provide a non-partisan platform for students and staff of the University of Edinburgh to discuss their personal experiences, cultural identities and political views in relation to Palestine and/or Israel.
Often conversations about such issues are divisive, and we create a space where people can engage in discussions about them; expressing their views and hearing opinions they may otherwise have not been aware of. Our purpose is to break down echo chambers, providing an alternative to the dichotomy that has been created and allowing for more nuanced and respectful conversations.
Often conversations about such issues are divisive, and we create a space where people can engage in discussions about them; expressing their views and hearing opinions they may otherwise have not been aware of. Our purpose is to break down echo chambers, providing an alternative to the dichotomy that has been created and allowing for more nuanced and respectful conversations.
"It is encouraging to see students from a wide range of perspectives creating a forum to discuss this difficult topic. […] The discussion certainly faced up to some uncomfortable issues. […] I was impressed by the variety and depth of the questions asked, and the respect of the safe space of the discussion."
-Katherine Crew's review of our Holy Land Interfaith Panel (Spring 2019) in the National Newsletter of the Council of Christians and Jews
-Katherine Crew's review of our Holy Land Interfaith Panel (Spring 2019) in the National Newsletter of the Council of Christians and Jews
Our Structure.
To ensure that the society remains representative and impartial, it is chaired by two co-Presidents of equal standing, with one of the Presidents identifying with Palestine and the other with Israel. Our committee members also have a wide range of perspectives on Palestine and/or Israel, and we constantly aim at expanding our events to include more academic and professional speakers and more student participants with different opinions to add to the conversations we facilitate.
We believe that it is only through holding a multi-sided conversation, with all the disagreements it may entail, that a true dialogue can take place. The conversations not only take consideration of different possible perspectives, but the conversationalists also come from different backgrounds themselves. The Committee alone encompasses nine nationalities and four religions, and ranges from a First-Year Undergraduate to a PhD student, while the members and participants at events represent an even wider range of backgrounds and areas of study.
We believe that it is only through holding a multi-sided conversation, with all the disagreements it may entail, that a true dialogue can take place. The conversations not only take consideration of different possible perspectives, but the conversationalists also come from different backgrounds themselves. The Committee alone encompasses nine nationalities and four religions, and ranges from a First-Year Undergraduate to a PhD student, while the members and participants at events represent an even wider range of backgrounds and areas of study.
“I really felt souls connect and talk. I hope that conversations like the one we had, one day produce the type of thinking which will begin to solve the conflicts of our divided humanity. […] I am truly grateful for the experience and look forward to breaking more barriers through meeting people […] and conversing.”
-Imam Yahya Barry
-Imam Yahya Barry
Our Impact.
EUPIDS has managed to transform a discussion about a particular region into an inclusive and engaging platform for students and staff with a multitude of personal backgrounds and academic interests. Uniquely at Edinburgh, EUPIDS membership and participation in events are completely free to ensure that the discussions are open to all.
The stamp of EUPIDS has expanded to national levels this year. Students across the UK have been inspired by its unique approach and reached out to the society. The EUPIDS committee supported them in setting up similar societies in their home universities, and they have now formed a network across the United Kingdom, from the University of Cardiff to the University of Bristol to LSE.
EUPIDS provides its members with a wide range of thought-provoking events and a supportive community. In recognition of its impact, it has received the 2020 EUSA Outstanding Society Award. It has managed to break down barriers to involve widening circles of staff, students, and UK cities – providing a beacon to all that such inclusive and proactive discussions are both possible and highly valuable.
The stamp of EUPIDS has expanded to national levels this year. Students across the UK have been inspired by its unique approach and reached out to the society. The EUPIDS committee supported them in setting up similar societies in their home universities, and they have now formed a network across the United Kingdom, from the University of Cardiff to the University of Bristol to LSE.
EUPIDS provides its members with a wide range of thought-provoking events and a supportive community. In recognition of its impact, it has received the 2020 EUSA Outstanding Society Award. It has managed to break down barriers to involve widening circles of staff, students, and UK cities – providing a beacon to all that such inclusive and proactive discussions are both possible and highly valuable.