Noor Awad and Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger
Spokespersons for Roots Peacebuilding Center :: December 2023
It is hard to imagine two more worthy recipients of this award. We know that even though Israelis and Palestinians live in close proximity to each other in the West Bank, they have almost no opportunity to get to know each other beyond the stereotypes in the media or the prevalent stories of violence and hatred.
In this harsh environment, Roots, the organization which the two of you help lead, has chosen grassroots dialogue and community activities to build the trust that will be necessary for any political peace process. Through discussion groups, community meals, a summer camp, and a wide range of other activities, Roots has helped Israelis and Palestinians see each other’s humanity.
We honor the heart energy needed to do this work. It takes love and faith in humanity to build peace at the grassroots level when it is so easy to give in to the lure of group dogma and hostility. Moreover, we know that there are those who see grassroots peacebuilding as disloyal and an accommodation with injustice. It takes courage and strength to choose the path of peace under such circumstances. This is particularly true for you because you have chosen to be a public face of Roots to national and international audiences. Speaking out is hard!
The unfolding tragedy in Israel and Gaza this fall has emphatically and painfully focused the world’s attention on the worst qualities in human nature—tribalism, revenge, aggression, cruelty. The peacebuilding movement, of which you are key members, provides a dramatic example of how humans can choose to express their best selves—compassion, understanding, wisdom. In a sea of anger and grief you are an island of hope.
Congratulations!
Elissa and Bruce Peterson, Founding Members