Abstract
This study explores the role of intergroup conflict in the identity exploration process among 83 Jewish participants in a dialogue in a multicultural college in Israel. Thematic analysis has shown that the behavior of most of the participants has been affected by the Jewish–Arab conflict as follows: they centered on internal commonalities among Jewish subgroups; they neither engaged in conflict among Jewish subgroups nor explored their Jewish identities, and they expressed confusion regarding who the out-group was: the Jewish subgroups’ members or the Arab students in the college. These findings expand the knowledge about the identity exploration process in a social context of religious–ethnic conflict and may pose a practical contribution to the field of intergroup dialogues and conflict resolution in divided societies. 
  
Highlights
Dialogues create a safe environment that can promote positive psychological processes within individuals
This study explores the role of intergroup conflict in the identity exploration process among 83 Jewish participants in a dialogue in a multicultural college in Israel
Thematic analysis has shown that the behavior of most of the participants has been affected by the Jewish–Arab conflict as follows: they centered on internal commonalities among Jewish subgroups; they neither engaged in conflict among Jewish subgroups nor explored their Jewish identities, and they expressed confusion regarding who the out-group was: the Jewish subgroups’ members or the Arab students in the college
Summary
Dialogues create a safe environment that can promote positive psychological processes within individuals. Research has indicated that dialogues have positive applied results in international, community, and academic settings (Dessel & Rogge, 2008). Participation in dialogues can promote mutual learning and intergroup relationships among groups even with a history of conflict (Dessel & Rogge, 2008). Studies over the years have shown that intergroup dialogues can improve communication among groups, promote positive psychological outcomes among individuals (Gurin-Sabnds et al, 2012), and reduce hostility between groups that are in conflict (Tajfel & Teruner, 1986). Further investigation is needed to examine the identity exploration processes of the participants in the dialogue, especially in the context of intergroup conflict (Shamoa-Nir, 2017a).
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