Both sides of the mifgash group are curious about one another. This activity allows the participants to ask and answer their own questions and thereby help set the tone for the program. This activity should be done after some kind of interactive ice breaker. (Recommended ice breakers: The Clock, How Do I Feel About..., or Pita/Falafel Mixer)

Materials: a hat for each subgroup, "To my friend from..." cards, pens

Length: 30-60 minutes

Group Size: Any size (mixed subgroups of 20)

Staffing: one facilitator per subgroup

Procedure:

Done in Small Mixed Groups

1. If the group is very large, split them up into subgroups of no more than 20 participants. Each subgroup should have an equal number of Diaspora and Israeli participants respectively plus one discussion facilitator.

Done as Individuals

2. Place a hat in the middle of the circle. Give every participant an index card and a pen. Instruct the participants to write the following heading on the card, "To my friend from Israel / Diaspora. . ." respectively. Instruct them to write down one question which they would like to ask the participants from the other side. The questions should remain anonymous, making it easier to write open questions. Instruct them to put their index cards into the hat when they have written down their questions.

Done in Small Mixed Groups

3. Shake up the hat and pass it to the participant on your right. Ask him/her to pick out an index card and to read the question aloud to the group. It does not matter who reads the question. (An Israeli can read a question directed towards the Israelis.) Ask the participants to whom the question is directed to answer. Since you will want to address as many questions as possible, it is recommended to limit the responses to three per question.

Wrapping Up:

4. Go around the circle and ask each participant to say one thing that they learned about the other group or their culture.