A: We are far away from the conflict, and we do not have the full picture of what is happening. We encourage harmony among both sides.

A: Emphasise that this conflict is a territorial one and that extremists on both sides are misusing religion to further their political aims.

What if they are trying to justify the boycott or ask our position on the boycott?

What if my student takes side because of parents' belief?

A: Students most likely got the idea from their parents, or from social media. We should remind them that we are all far away from the conflict and so do not have the full picture of what is happening. Since this conflict involves extremists of both sides, we would only worsen the situation if we boycott or support either side. Reiterate that Singapore strongly condemns all acts of terrorism, including violence against innocent civilians. Instead of focusing on who is at fault, we should find out ways to help the innocent.

What if my student refuse to take part in this conversation?

A: First, find out the reason for the student's refusal to participate in the discussion. If the student has strong feelings about the conflict, understand why.

If student is simply being nonchalant, remind student that even though the conflict is happening far away from us, it does have an indirect impact on us. Just like the Russian and Ukraine war, the conflict would affect our supply chain. In this case, if the conflict broadens into a regional one in the Middle East, it will affect our oil and food prices. We will all be affected. The conflict has also led to divisions in our multicultural society so we need to understand the situation in order not to worsen the situation.

A: Remind students that they, as well as the people they hear these from, are not there at Palestine/Israel to experience the conflict firsthand so they should not be speculating. It does not help the situation by finding out who is at fault or not. A conflict is a conflict. The innocent civilians are suffering and those people are who we should focus our attention on. We should demonstrate compassion and care for those who are suffering, regardless of who they are.

What if students ask who is in the wrong?

A: We should remind them that we are all far away from the conflict and so do not have the full picture of what is happening. Since this conflict involves extremists of both sides, we would only worsen the situation if we boycott or support either side. Reiterate that Singapore strongly condemns all acts of terrorism, including violence against innocent civilians. Instead of focusing on who is at fault, we should find out ways to help the innocent.

What if discussion turns into a internal conflict among students?

A: Encourage students to express their views in a respectful and sensitive manner by reminding them of the discussion norms. Listen and understand the different perspectives, even if they do not agree with them.

When will this stop?

A: No one knows this answer. We can only hope that the conflict ends soon so the suffering of the civilians on both sides would stop.

What if students are interested about the history?

A: Refrain from mentioning anything that happened before 7 October as we ourselves do not have the full understanding of the long history of this complex conflict.

What if my students claim support for either side?

A: Encourage students to focus on the values and principles that undergird our views and actions, and highlight those values and principles we share (i.e. we do not support any act of violence, we want world peace etc.). Advise students to be discerning and responsible in the ways that they show support. Before following the actions of others, they can consider these points: being clear about the reasons for their actions, being sensitive to the feeling of others and the possible consequences of their actions.

Remind students that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, so they should also respect the opinions of others (if they try to sway others' opinions). However, would supporting either side help the situation?

Q: Who should we support?

A: We do not support the extremists on both side. In fact, Singapore is friends with both the Israelis and Palestinians. But it does not mean we support everything each side does. We do not support any acts of terrorism and that is for sure.

Q: What if the students ask their friends to boycott products from Israel?

Q: Why some people boycott Starbucks Coffee?

A: We should remind students that although we may have different thoughts and feelings in response to this situation, we should agree to disagree (i.e. agree that everyone has their own point of view). Hence, we should not be influencing our friends to boycott anyone, and neither should we boycott anyone (as it would also affect the livelihood of people working for these companies). Once again, we are not the ones involved in the conflict. We are in no position to discuss which side is right or wrong.

Q: What if students say something radical and mention that their parents told them so?

A: We should remind them that we are all far away from the conflict and so do not have the full picture of what is happening. Since this conflict involves extremists of both sides, we would only worsen the situation if we boycott or support either side. Reiterate that Singapore strongly condemns all acts of terrorism, including violence against innocent civilians. Instead of focusing on who is at fault, we should find out ways to help the innocent.

A: Remind student that even though the conflict is happening far away from us, it does have an indirect impact on us. Just like the Russian and Ukraine war, the conflict would affect our supply chain. In this case, if the conflict broadens into a regional one in the Middle East, it will affect our oil and food prices. We will all be affected. As members of the global community, we should also learn to empathise with the suffering of others. (Bring in the value of "care")