*Jack Wilkins, a 68-year-old retiree in McCarty, Missouri, was deeply troubled by the news of the Israel-Gaza war. As a lifelong supporter of Israel, he couldn't comprehend the growing opposition to the country's actions, especially among younger generations.

The news article about the generational split in opinion hit close to home. Jack's own grandchildren, *Emma and *Ryan, had expressed sympathy for the Palestinians, causing heated arguments within the family.

The rift between Jack and his grandchildren was rooted in their differing experiences. Jack grew up during a time when Israel was seen as a beacon of hope and democracy in the Middle East, while *Emma and *Ryan had been exposed to narratives highlighting the plight of the Palestinian people.

As tensions mounted, *Emma suggested that they try the Stepping Into Action program. Initially skeptical, Jack agreed, desperate to find a way to bridge the divide.

Through the program's exercises, they learned to actively listen to each other's perspectives without judgment. *Emma shared her concerns about human rights violations, while Jack explained his deep-rooted fears of anti-Semitism and the importance of a secure homeland for the Jewish people.

'We may not agree on everything,' *Emma said, 'but I understand where you're coming from, and I respect that.'

Experts lauded the program's emphasis on empathy and communication as a means of resolving conflicts. However, some critics argued that deeply entrenched ideological differences could not be easily reconciled through such methods.

Ultimately, Jack and his grandchildren made progress in understanding each other's viewpoints, even if they didn't fully align. Their experience reaffirmed the value of seeking help, even if it meant looking beyond their local community for resources like the online program.

Nearby: Hickman Arkansas, Owl Hoot Tennessee, Boothspoint Tennessee, Armorel Arkansas, Chic Tennessee, Mooring Tennessee, Heloise Tennessee, Bradleytown Tennessee, Tiger Tail Tennessee, Richwoods Tennessee, Number Nine Arkansas, Tylersville Tennessee, Cottonwood Grove Tennessee, Huffman Arkansas, Mengelwood Tennessee, Hathaway Tennessee, Tennemo Tennessee, Stinger Tennessee, Ayers Tennessee, Burton Arkansas