Born into a family that took a major leadership role in the First  Intifada (Palestinian uprising), Shadi Abu Awwad was imbued from a young age with deep Palestinian patriotism and activism – and with hatred for Israelis. He was still a child when his family underwent a major transformation and became leaders of the Palestinian movement for reconciliation with Israel, and he grew up with the hope that peace is possible and the determination to struggle to achieve it.
Rav Hanan Schlesinger is an Orthodox rabbi, teacher, and passionate Zionist settler originally from New York, who made aliyah
 (immigrated to Israel) on his own at the age of 20.  He has lived  beyond the Green Line, in Alon Shvut, Gush Etzion, for over 30 years.  As a result of developing close, personal relationships with  Palestinians, he has dedicated himself to bringing reconciliation to that tiny sliver of land that both Palestinians and Israelis call home.  Together, Shadi and Hanan present their vision of dignity, trust,  mutual recognition, and respect. Their organization, Roots- Shorashim-Judur is an Israeli-Palestinian grassroots initiative  fostering dialogue, unmediated get-togethers, and deep  conversations between Palestinians and Israelis living in the West Bank.  You are invited to hear their story.