Two Truths in One Land: The Road to Reconciliation
Tuesday 22 November, 12.30-2.00pm, Online.
In the context of our broader work around social inclusion and community values we have been given the opportunity to host this event which is led by an organisation called Roots.
The event will be an opportunity to hear from Roots' Israeli co-founder, Rabbi Hanan SchlesingerLink opens in a new window and Roots' activist Palestinian Noor A’wad.Link opens in a
Hanan and Noor will share their experiences and insights into how they started to build trust between communities, change attitudes, and create a shared purpose between two often deeply divided groups.
Roots is a charity which works to promote mutual understanding, non-violence, and reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis (and between Muslims and Jews). Learn more about Roots
About Roots
"Roots – an Israeli-Palestinian grassroots initiative for understanding, nonviolence and transformation based in Judea and Samaria/the West Bank - is a unique network of local Palestinians and Israelis who have come to see each other as the partners we both need to make changes to end our conflict. Based on mutual recognition of each People's national identity and connection to the Land, we are challenging the assumptions our communities hold about each other, building trust and creating a new discourse around the conflict in our respective societies.
Roots is...
- Building and expanding our network of five local associations of Israelis and Palestinians committed to Roots’ values.
- Addressing injustice by providing reactive support after acts of violence and advocating against separation, violence, and inequality.
- Creating openings between religious and ideological camps that were previously seen as the obstacles to peace."
You can hear more about Roots in the video below:
Neither shy away from the many points of contention between Israelis and Palestinians, but neither do they shy away from the hard work required to promote equality and reconciliation in and between Israel and Palestine.
We will also be joined by the Dean of Coventry Cathedral who can share his practical experience of promoting peace and reconciliation through the Community of the Cross of Nails).
However this is not a faith-based event. Rather we’d like it to be an opportunity for a broad and open discussion around how we can bring communities and neighbours together, break down barriers and work towards a common good within divided communities.
This event is open to staff and students.
Noor A'wad
Noor A’wad’s family moved from Amman to Beit Sahour after the signing of the Oslo Accords. There, he began thinking about his identity as a Palestinian refugee. While studying to become a tour guide, Noor travelled to Israel and for the first time saw Israelis beyond the frame of “occupying soldiers.” After meeting Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Ali Abu Awwad in 2016, Noor joined Roots, where he currently organises joint Palestinian-Israeli activities and speaks to visiting groups about his personal experiences living through the conflict as a Palestinian who has seen much tragedy, and in such conditions is motivated to work toward a political solution.
Noor resides in Bethlehem today, where he guides English speakers on geopolitical tours of the region.
Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger
Rabbi Hanan Schelsinger is an Orthodox rabbi and teacher, and a passionate Zionist settler who has been profoundly transformed by his encounters with Palestinians and the Palestinian People beginning in late 2013. Before then Rav Hanan never met a Palestinian as an equal. Since then, he has been on a journey of discovery resulting in the founding of Roots and now serves as its Director of International Relations.
Originally hailing from New York, Rav Hanan immigrated to Israel on his own at the age of 20 and has lived in Alon Shvut, Gush Etzion, for almost 35 years. He and his Israeli–born wife Ayala reside in Alon Shvut, Israel, and have four grown children and ten grandchildren.
Rabbi Hanan Schelsinger blogs at MyJewishLearning.org and his website is ravhanan.org.
Recording
If you missed the event, catch up with the recording below: