This simulation is based on an actual crisis negotiation that occurred at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem from April 2 to May 10, 2002 between the Israeli Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU) and seasoned Palestinian negotiators appointed by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. This two-party negotiation simulation is suited for participants interested in understanding the dynamics of crisis negotiation.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a military operation coined “Defensive Shield” in 2002 to respond to increased terrorist attacks. The major ground campaign brought IDF forces into the Palestinian town of Bethlehem and lead to intense street fighting. More than 200 Palestinians, among them heavily armed gunmen and innocent bystanders took refuge in the Church of the Nativity, a holy site for Muslims and Christians who believe it is the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The standoff quickly came to a stalemate as the IDF sought to avoid the international condemnation sure to follow any attack on the church and Palestinians feared leaving the safety of its enclosure.
The simulation begins twenty days into the siege, as time appears to be running out. The IDF Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU) and seasoned Palestinian negotiators appointed by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat have agreed to meet three times in the upcoming week to see if the siege can be ended peacefully. However, this pre-determined outline can change at any time depending on activities on the ground, neither team is committed to finding resolution within three rounds if it jeopardizes their needs and interests.
Crisis in the Church provides participants with the opportunity to evaluate their positions and interests, create an agenda, and problem-solve possible solutions as daily events on the ground unfold. Time and media presence play important roles as both parties are under pressure to find a solution before the conflict turns into an international crisis.