For too long antiquated political authorities and the elites have been dictating the rules of the Peace Process. The Shalom Process is not constrained by those rules and can therefore provide a viable alternative to the status quo. Renewing the conversation of Shalom is to be done in the places of worship and schools of our respective peoples.
During these difficult days when Muslims and Jews living in the Holy Land seem distant from one another, those of us seeking Shalom may feel discouraged. I would like to suggest that this is due to us forgetting the essential definitions of the terms we are using to try and solve this crisis. When we speak of Shalom, we are talking about many different blessings that extend beyond there just being peace. It involves dialogue and relationship. Shalom mandates a certain type of education that the prophet Isaiah speaks of in chapter 11 where we no longer teach our children war. This education changes the consciousness of the children involved in the process so that they can one day plant the seeds of Shalom and tend the young trees that are growing. Yes, there are trees of Shalom growing strong and tall. Take a look at the resources section and explore the Jerusalem Peacemakers. I have been working with Reb Eliyahu McLean and Sheikh Ghassan Mansara for some time now and can vouch for it being a voice that transcends the political paradigm. As Reb Eliyahu is so fond of saying, "you can not be only right wing or left wing, you need two wings to fly.".
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