Co-sponsored by de Toledo High School, Temple Aliyah, Temple Adat Elohim, Temple Judea, Shomrei Torah Synagogue, St. Mel Catholic Church, Valley Outreach Synagogue

Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Shadi Abu Awwad tell their personal stories and their efforts to build a better future for their peoples. They come with no ready peace plans in hand, but only with the conviction that human understanding and trust will be the prerequisites for lasting justice, freedom and peace on that tiny sliver of land that they both call home.

Orthodox rabbi Hanan Schlesinger is a passionate Zionist settler who has been profoundly transformed by his friendship and interaction with local Palestinians. His understanding of the reality of the Middle East conflict and of Zionism has been utterly complicated by the parallel universe that they have introduced him to over time. Palestinian Shadi Abu Awwad is the grandson, son and nephew of strong proud Palestinian leaders who were at the helm of the First Palestinian Intifada (Uprising). He grew up imbued with a deep hatred for Israelis. His family underwent a major transformation becoming pioneers in reaching across the divide to their Jewish neighbors. As the Palestinian architect and coordinator of the Roots youth movement, Shadi facilitates shared encounters and experiences among Palestinian and Israeli teenagers, building a new generation of leaders who can confront the real problems between their communities while acknowledging each other’s shared humanity.

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