“Straight Talk” Program Brings Israeli and Palestinian Musicians Together in Boulder

It is rare for Israelis and Palestinians to sit down together to talk, let alone make music together. On March 20th, this program will include music, storytelling and a brutally honest discussion about the conflict in the Middle East. Our presenters will connect the story about the formation of the group “DUGRI” to the current reality and potential future of Jews and Arabs in Israel and Palestine.

The word “Dugri” comes from Arabic – meaning straight. Israelis and Palestinians both speak their minds. Straightforward talk with no apologies.  For better or for worse… you will know exactly what they think. 

Dugri is a social venture that brings Jews and Arabs together by creatively echoing a new moderate Israeli-Palestinian narrative. The idea is to use honest and straightforward thought and leadership as a tool to reconcile with the past to form a grassroots movement of young moderates who believe in a mutually beneficial future.

In June 2018, Uriya Rosenman, an Israeli Jewish educator and creator, initiated the social project ‘Let’s Talk Straight.’ Inspired by American artist Joyner Lucas’ video ‘I’m Not Racist,’ he embarked on a journey to meet and interview Arabs and Jews across Israel, learn about extreme and racist opinions existent in society, and develop them into a blunt Jew/Arab rap-battle music video. After two years of independent work, understanding the projects’ potential and the importance of its authenticity, Uriya decided to add an Arab partner and reached out to Palestinian rapper Sameh SAZ Zakout.

Sameh and Uriya collaborated for a year, talking straight about history, war, family, trauma, and the Israeli-Palestinian reality, writing new lyrics and inserting Arabic to the project. Eventually, after three years of creation, the project was ready and immediately published on their personal social media in a holistic timing – during the peak of the May 2021 riots between Jews and Arabs in Israel.

6:30-7:30 pm Uriya and Sameh will present on the Straight Talk project

7:30- 8:30 pm  Refreshments and small table conversations

Presented in partnership by Boulder JCC, Congregation Bonai Shalom, Congregation Har Hashem, SIPP (Sustainable Israeli-Palestinian Projects) and JEWISHcolorado.

Click here to learn more and to register. Advance registration is always recommended for programs at the Boulder JCC. Using a computer rather than your mobile device will make the registration process easier for you. For registration support please contact Sophie Glickman at sophie.glickman@boulderjcc.org