#  RCPI Alumna Highlight: Katie Falk, MA '22 

 





June 30, 2022

 

 

     ![RCPI Alumn Katie Falk, MA ’22, MA in Regional Studies, Middle East (Harvard University)](/sites/g/files/omnuum8216/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/katie-cjnv_photo.jpg?itok=ysclmnrN) 

 



 

“I attribute many significant shifts in my personal and vocational paths to my experiences during the RCPI experiential learning course and internship. Prior to my travels with the RCPI, my comfort zone, both professionally and personally, was nonpartisanship (albeit with a liberal bent) in addressing the most divisive topics concerning Palestine/Israel. I became accustomed to presenting information from a variety of sources—whether it came from government ministries, NGOs, or media outlets—alongside analysis, in as neutral a manner as possible.”

“During my time with my RCPI cohort at Harvard and in the field in Palestine/Israel, I began to see how this commitment to nonpartisanship was largely a protective measure. It allowed me to analyze blatant injustices but also remove myself from the equation. The conversations we had with activists, artists, organizers, and as a group, in addition to our site visits to specific cities and towns, made it clear to me how nonpartisanship can be an obstacle to comprehensive change and a just peace in Palestine/Israel. By maintaining nonpartisanship, we assist, even if we do not intend to, in buttressing a system and status quo that privileges one narrative and people at the expense, or erasure, of another.”

“My time with B’Tselem as an RCPI intern further confirmed for me that I was moving in a direction where I could find alignment between my values and beliefs with that of the organization I was working for. It made me realize how central this overlap is to fulfillment, and it is something that I am no longer willing to sacrifice. It has been the driving force behind the opportunities I have pursued following graduation, including my decision to join the Center for Jewish Nonviolence’s second Hineinu cohort of activists taking part in sustained solidarity work in the South Hebron Hills.”

“Hilary, Atalia, Reem, Diane, and my fellow students have helped shape who I am when I show up for this work, and I am forever grateful for my time with them.”

—Katie Falk, MA ’22, MA in Regional Studies, Middle East (Harvard University)



 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Religion, Conflict, and Peace ](/news/religion-conflict-and-peace)