” We just don’t see the fulfillment of our dream is causing a catastrophe to another nation……..” (Rav Hanan Schlesinger)
Listen to Rav Hanan’s compelling story of the ‘Two truths’ and how that relates to the Israelis and the Palestinians living and having rights on the same piece of land.
Originally hailing from New York, Rav Hanan made aliyah on his own at the age of 20 and has lived over the green line, in Alon Shvut, Gush Etzion, for over 30 years. His family background is Reform, but already at the end of high school he began delving into observant Judaism. He has spent over 10 years learning in Israeli Talmudic seminaries and also studied towards a MA in Jewish Philosophy at Hebrew University. His professional career has been dedicated to teaching Jewish studies in various colleges and seminaries in the Jerusalem area, and well as in different frameworks in Florida and Texas.
It was in Dallas about 7 years ago that he began to become involved in interfaith work, first with Christians and then with Muslims. There he founded Faiths in Conversation, a framework for Jewish – Christian – Muslim theological dialogue. The mind-expanding experience of these trialogues inspired him to attempt to meet Muslims and Christians back in the Holy Land.
Rabbi Hanan, is a passionate Zionist settler has been profoundly transformed by his friendship with Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awaad (who formerly was an active member of Fatah, part of the PLO) and now dynamic peace activist (See his page on this site) . His understanding of the reality of the Middle East conflict and of Zionism has been utterly complicated by the parallel universe that Ali has introduced him to. They often speak together telling there stories.
To hear a talk by Hanan in March 2015 click on the link below
Link to the Roots website: http://www.friendsofroots.net/
Voices For Peace 