The Berkeley Bridging Fellowship
The program brings together a diverse cohort of students with varied cultural, political, and personal connections to the region. Through sessions with faculty, guest experts, and experienced facilitators, fellows deepen their understanding of the history, politics, cultures, and contemporary realities of Israel and Palestine while developing practical skills for listening, reflection, and conversation across differences.
Rather than requiring a shared ideology or predetermined perspective, the fellowship emphasizes humility, empathy, and the capacity to engage difficult conversations with care. Fellows participate in mandatory meetings and retreats, complete readings and reflections, and ultimately apply their learning through direct engagement with campus leaders and a capstone initiative designed to foster better conversations within or across communities.
The Berkeley Bridging Fellowship is a year-long academic and experiential program designed to bring the practice of bridging to UC Berkeley students, specifically surrounding Israel and Palestine. Fellows engage across both fall and spring semesters through facilitated dialogue, academic learning, reflection, arts and culture, and community-building practices.
