Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s Dispute Resolution Institute (DRI) offers the unique opportunity for students to examine the law and conflict resolution abroad in the Holy Land, the site of an intense cross-section of religious tradition, history, and culture. The program, “Conflict Resolution from Religious Traditions,” again returns for the 2027 January term and will run from Dec. 27, 2026, through Jan. 6, 2027. Applications are open until Nov. 1.
Offered in cooperation with the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the program allows students to explore some of the traditions of the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and consider how these traditions have shaped dispute resolution values. It provides opportunities in the classroom and the real world for students to immerse themselves within this religiously, politically, and culturally diverse society which utilizes traditional and innovative methods for resolving disputes.
“The country and the region are incredibly complex and nuanced,” said Sharon Press, who directs the study abroad program. “There are no easy answers, but I feel confident that our students come away with a deep understanding and an experience they will remember forever.” Press also serves as the director of DRI and holds the Robins Kaplan Distinguished Professorship of Litigation Skills and International Dispute Resolution.
Returning for the first time since 2023, last year’s program enrolled 15 students, which included a Mitchell Hamline alum and three students from another ABA-accredited law school. It began with a week in Jerusalem for students to learn about and take in Christian, Islamic, and Jewish traditions. They attended special programs, studied conflict resolution approaches when different religious traditions are in play, met with local peacemakers, and toured the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion, and Bethlehem. On Shabbat, when the group had a day off from their studies, many of them joined a tour to visit the Dead Sea.
Following their time in Jerusalem, students learned more about how Jews, Muslims, Christians, Arabs, Palestinians, and Israelis work together in many circumstances, as well as the challenges of the country. Their visits included the Neve Shalom/Wahat a Salam School of Peace; a Sharia Court in Be’er Sheva; the Open House in Ramla; the Hayim Katsman Sustainability Center in Rahat, a school developing sustainability projects in Al-Furaa; the Hagar Jewish-Arab school; the Ramat Gan Academic College; and more.
The 2027 program will similarly begin with a week in Jerusalem at the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus. The second part of the class will include planned visits to Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Haifa and meetings with peacemakers from each of the faith traditions. Learn more about the 2027 program.
Mitchell Hamline is ranked seventh in the nation in dispute resolution programs by U.S. News & World Report 2026. DRI allows students to engage with alternative dispute resolution through courses in all modalities, a specialized certificate in Conflict Resolution Theory and Practice, and experiential learning opportunities such as clinics, competitions, pro bono volunteer activities, and externships. Learn more about dispute resolution at Mitchell Hamline.
