The Art of Conversation: The Unifying Power of Storytelling & Music

How do we talk to each other across cultures and differences, especially in deeply polarized times?

Join authors Raja Khouri and Jeffrey Wilkinson, co-authors of the newly released second edition of The Wall Between which explores Jewish and Palestinian relationships in these challenging times.

They will be joined by musician Samia Odeh, for an evening discovering how literature, music, friendship and cross-cultural connection can help us enter difficult conversations differently.

Through conversation, stories and music, the evening will explore what can happen when we cross boundaries, listen to one another, and find the shared humanity and values that can bring people together, even when the subjects dividing us are difficult.

Biographies:

Jeffrey J. Wilkinson, PhD, is an American Jew who lives in Canada. He holds a doctorate in Education from the University of Toronto and works actively in the Jewish community and beyond on issues relating to trauma and the Israel/Palestine struggle. Jeff’s partnership with Raja, borne out of deep listening and learning together, has become central to his work.

Raja G. Khouri is CEO of Khouri Conversations, a human rights and inclusion consultant, the founding president of the Canadian Arab Institute, board member at Project Rozana (Canada), and a former 10-year commissioner with the Ontario Human Rights Commission. He is Canada Committee member of Human Rights Watch, and co-founder of the Canadian Arab/Jewish Leadership Dialogue Group.

Samia Odeh is an award-winning pianist, singer-songwriter, educator, and church music leader whose work brings together music, faith, community, justice, and peace. A graduate of McGill University and winner of the McGill Concerto Competition, she currently serves as Music Director at Wall Street United Church. Her collaboration with Jeff Wilkinson(on viola) has yielded deeply meaningful music that will be shared this evening.

When: Thursday October 1, 2026
Where: 5 Wall Street, Brockville, ON
Time: 7:00PM

Free Will Offering

More Info: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FLTEGqzKN/