Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Gaining from a New Perspective. Richard Forer

Dear Friend,

The failure of PM Netanyahu to get an overwhelming vote of confidence yesterday (Jan. 22, 2013), may show an openness to much needed changes. There have been no meaningful conversations between I's and P's for a long time now. We must find ways to truly engage with each other. But how? That is the question.

There are many trusted friends who address the root causes of the problems in I/P. Ask me, and I'll give you names, books and groups.

Today, I want to introduce you to a man who has undergone profound changes in his outlook, in his own person, who needs to be heard. There are root causes, and True Root Causes. The man I want you to meet addresses the True Root Causes.

His name is Richard Forer and the link to a recent interview he gave is here: http://www.breathingforgiveness.net/2013/01/anti-slavery-campaign-interview-series_3080.html If you don't have time now, don't delete this message. Come back to it later. Don't miss this interview!!!!!!

A bit more background if you will. The mindset he was given during his orthodox Jewish upbringing was: "[Palestinians] can never be trusted. They hate us. They want to eliminate us".

(If truth be told, there are Palestinians who have this same mindset toward Israelis!) Richard shows how we project our suffering onto others.

I'm reluctant to send you long articles such as this link. (Our attention span is getting shorter!) But I'm making an exception with this interview. It is that transformative. Are you listening? Do you have the time and courage to be engaged at another level?

Until our rejectionist stance toward each "Other" is transcended, there will be no justice for Palestinians and security for Israelis. How open are we?

The interview is with Father Yago Abeledo (Center for Justice and Peace Building). The link takes you to their site. http://www.breathingforgiveness.net/2013/01/anti-slavery-campaign-interview-series_3080.html

For a more in-depth view, go to Richard's book: BREAKTHROUGH: TRANSFORMING FEAR INTO COMPASSION, A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THE ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN CONFLICT