HWS News
27 February 2024 Roots of Peace
Israeli and Palestinian views explored in discussion presented by the Office of Spiritual Engagement.
Activists Noor A’wad and Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger will discuss their non-violence work to bridge Israeli and Palestinian understanding during a talk titled “Roots of Peace: Peacemakers at a Time of War.”
The talk, hosted by the grassroots organization Roots through the Office of Spiritual Engagement, will be held on Wednesday, March 6 from 12:15 - 2:15 p.m. in Bartlett Theatre. A vegetarian lunch will be provided.
The talk and lunch are free and open to the HWS community.
Roots is an Israeli-Palestinian initiative that works to end the conflict through increased understanding and nonviolence efforts. The group is based in Judea and Samaria of the West Bank.
“Based on mutual recognition of each people's national identity and connection to the land, the organization is challenging the assumptions each community holds about each other, building trust and creating a new discourse around the conflict in their respective societies,” according to the organization.
A’wad serves as Roots’ English language spokesperson. He joined Roots in 2016 and organizes 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 his work toward a political solution. Originally from Amman, Jordan, A’wad lives in Bethlehem, where he guides English speakers on geopolitical tours of the region.
Schlesinger, an Orthodox rabbi and teacher, serves as the director for international relations for Roots and was one of its founders. He also is the founder of the American Friends of Roots, a multi-faith organization dedicated to non-violence. He has served in religious teaching roles in Boca Raton, Florida, and in Dallas, Texas. Originally from New York, Schlesinger has lived in Israel for 40 years. He resides in Alon Shuvut, Israel.
With the Office for Spiritual Engagement, the event is sponsored by HWS Hillel, the Abbe Center for Jewish Life and the Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation.
For more information, email spiritual@hws.edu.
Top: Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor A’wad will discuss their non-violence work to bridge Israeli and Palestinian understanding during “Roots of Peace: Peacemakers at a Time of War.”
