Cross-Cultural Issues in Community Mediation: Perspectives for Israel

Given the recent growth in the community mediation movement in Israel, this article explores cross-cultural issues that need to be considered by mediators, program developers, and academics. Using examples from a conflict between orthodox and secular Jews, this article analyzes culturally biased assumptions of a mainstream model of mediation: impartiality, linear and rational problem solving, separating people from the problem, equal bargaining power, and using objective standards.