On Thursday, 12th June, we heard from aChord’s CEO, Ron Gerlitz, about aChord’s polling of Israeli public opinion on the war, and how it has changed over time, Israeli perspectives on Palestinians since the war, the Trump plan, and so much more.

On a hostage deal: “Almost 70% of the Israeli public supports a deal to return all the hostages and end the war. Even among the coalition parties… there is a clear majority in Israel for the deal”.

On the goals of the war: “When asked whether they agree with the claim that at this time, the war primarily served political and personal interest or security goals, around 50% of the public agreed, while only 36% disagreed”.

Watch the recording here.

aChord – Social Psychology for Social Change is a pioneering Israeli organisation that bridges academia and civil society to advance equality and tolerance. Drawing on cutting-edge research in social psychology, aChord works to foster respectful, tolerant, and inclusive relations between the diverse communities within Israel and between Israelis and their neighbours.

Their unique approach combines rigorous academic insight with hands-on application across education, media, public policy, and civil society. By translating complex psychological research into practical tools, training, and interventions, aChord equips changemakers with the evidence-based strategies needed to challenge prejudice and deepen democracy. Their work is a vital contribution to building a shared and just society for all who live in Israel.

Ron joined aChord – Social Psychology for Social Change as CEO in October 2019. Under Ron’s leadership, aChord has expanded its scope of activity to additional arenas, formed new sustainable partnerships, and deepened the impact of the implementation of socio-psychological knowledge in the field.

Before joining aChord, Ron served for more than ten years as Co-Executive Director of Sikkuy, a Jewish-Arab organisation advancing equality and shared society between the Jewish and Arab citizens in Israel. In this position, Ron led Sikkuy’s team to advance significant policy changes in the Israeli government toward Arab citizens.

Ron is a Hebrew University of Jerusalem graduate with a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Computer Science and an MA in Public Policy, both magna cum laude. He began his professional career in high tech, working for six years as a software and algorithm team leader in Israel and Silicon Valley, California.