"It's been painful for me to realize that although we're all here together as Harvard students, mostly liberal young people, that still many of us are coming from fundamentally different places on the issue. But I think we can still come together and communicate with each other so we can understand each other's positions better."

The two groups hope to plan joint events in upcoming weeks to open discussion about the ongoing conflict. They plan to hold discussion groups where students can discuss their feelings toward the crisis, followed by social outings after the talks.

"I believe that a discussion group where people can exchange their views and emotions frankly is more productive to bring about understanding at Harvard and in the [issues involved with] the peace process in the Middle East," Abu-Ayyash said.

Associate Dean of the College David P. Illingworth '71 praised both groups for their efforts at dialogue.

"I was impressed with the quality of the vigils that the Jewish and the Arab student groups had," he said. "They are talking among themselves, not just Jews and Arabs, but lots of people from various backgrounds and people are having a very intelligent and reasonable response to all of this."

Bernard Steinberg, executive director of Harvard Hillel, also praised the dialogue.

"I think it's important to respond to a crisis by deep listening and paying close attention, and not being overly reactive. And that's what our community is trying to do, trying to pay attention," Steinberg said.

Harvard Hillel hosted a speaker last night on the crisis in Israel. It will also hold an emergency town hall meeting this morning from 9:30 to 11:30 to discuss support for Israel and the appropriate community response. Hillel's steering committee is also asking students to be particularly careful about security in the building.