The initiative "will have a component of dialogue with the aim of understanding where each of us is coming from, and also a social component to build interpersonal relationships," Beller said.

Pressure has mounted both from the public and from within the Arab, Muslim and Israeli communities to cross cultural and religious lines in pursuit of peace and mutual understanding.

But even halfway around the world here at Harvard, finding consensus within their communities is proving to be a more difficult process than many had hoped--despite good faith efforts on both sides.

"On a personal level, I have been very confused about the situation in Israel and have had enormous difficulty trying to reconcile the facts I receive from various sides.," Beller said. "Regardless of how similar a group of people may look on the outside, it is always hard to get everyone to agree."

Even within the particular communities, not all students agree.

"In my experience, the Harvard Jewish community has the full range of opinions," said Simon L. Sternin '01, a Jewish member of the SAS. "Some people are sympathetic to Palestinian concerns, but on the other end are people who are completely unsympathetic to the Palestinian cause in any way, shape or form."

The many groups and subcommittees within Hillel reflect the wide range of views within that part of the Jewish community. On one end is Harvard Students for Israel (HSI), whose members' opinions tend to be less sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.