The Power of Radical Curiosity: Can Conversation Reduce Hate with Shira Hoffer | Ep 29

Feb 4, 2025

Shira Hoffer, a Harvard senior and founder of the Institute for Multipartisan Education, discusses her mission to reduce societal hate through dialogue. She shares her inspiring journey in establishing the Hotline for Israel-Palestine to connect diverse perspectives amidst campus tensions. Shira emphasizes radical curiosity as a vital tool for overcoming polarization and advocates for student-led initiatives that encourage open-minded conversation. Her insights reveal the transformative potential of curiosity in education and conflict resolution.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Hotline Origins

Shira Hoffer, during the Hamas attack, offered her number for non-judgmental conversations about the conflict.
This led to many curious questions and the creation of the Hotline for Israel-Palestine (HIP).

ANECDOTE

IME's Inspiration

After a teacher invited Shira to lead a classroom presentation, Shira realized the potential for broader impact.
This led to the creation of the Institute for Multipartisan Education.

INSIGHT

Education vs. Hate

Education combats hate by fostering understanding and reducing interpersonal instances of hate.
The Institute for Multipartisan Education (IME) uses curiosity as its primary tool for change.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Can meaningful conversations bridge the divide in a polarized world? In today's episode, we explore the transformative power of radical curiosity with Shira Hoffer, a senior at Harvard University and founder of the Institute for Multipartisan Education. Join host John Tomasi, as they delve into the potential of dialogue in reducing societal hate and fostering understanding.

Shira Hoffer shares her inspirational journey from idealistic student to social entrepreneur, recounting the pivotal experiences that led to the creation of the Hotline for Israel-Palestine. This initiative connects individuals with diverse perspectives in response to the tense climate at Harvard following the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. Shira emphasizes the role of curiosity in addressing complex conflicts and outlines her efforts to encourage open, non-judgmental discourse across contentious societal issues.

In This Episode:

Curiosity as a tool against polarization
Creating dialogue to reduce misunderstandings
Student-led initiatives on curiosity in education
Religious influence on open-mindedness in students

About Shira:

Shira Hoffer is a senior at Harvard College studying Social Studies and Religion, and the founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Multipartisan Education. She served on Harvard’s Intellectual Vitality Committee for two years, is a former fellow and research assistant at the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Ethics’ Intercollegiate Civil Disagreement Program, and is a practicing mediator in Massachusetts courts. Her senior thesis explores the contemporary relationship between religious identity and speech behaviors on US college campuses.

Follow Shira on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shira-hoffer/

Follow Heterodox Academy on:

Twitter: https://bit.ly/3Fax5Dy

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3PMYxfw

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/48IYeuJ

Instagram: https://bit.ly/46HKfUg

Substack: https://bit.ly/48IhjNF

🔗 Find out more about Heterodox Academy at: https://linktr.ee/heterodoxoutloud