The Painful Hope: An Israeli Settler and a Palestinian Activist in Dialogue, which is free and open to the public. This event will be held on Thursday, November 7th, 7:30 p.m., in Lean Lecture Room of Wishart Hall.

Shadi Abu Awwad – was born into a family of proud Palestinian leaders who were at the helm of the first Palestinian intifada (uprising). Imbued with a deep hatred for Israelis as a child, his family underwent a major transformation and were among the pioneers who reached across the divide to their Jewish neighbors to work together to create a shared vision for their future. Shadi now builds a new generation of Palestinians and Israelis who can confront problems between their communities while acknowledging each other’s shared humanity.

Hanan Schlesinger – is an Orthodox rabbi and teacher, and passionate Zionist settler who was profoundly transformed by his friendship and exchanges with local Palestinians.  His understanding and perceptions of the Middle East conflicts, and of Zionism, have been utterly complicated by his introduction to the parallel universe they share.

Please join Shadi and Hanan and hear their personal, interconnected stories and share the groundbreaking and challenging grassroots work of Roots. They bring their deep conviction that understanding, and trust are the prerequisites for lasting justice, freedom, and peace on the tiny sliver of land they both call home.

Sponsored by: Middle Eastern and North African Studies, the Department of History, the Department of Religious Studies, Global and International Studies and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.  Made possible by the Kornfeld Fund.