In our second Virtual Immersion conversation, we delve into the profound realms of Jewish trauma with Jared, a Jerusalem-based Jewish historian and theologian. Through his personal narrative on October 7th, Jared provides insights into the pervasive fear that extends throughout the Jewish community, exacerbated by the ongoing violence in Gaza—a consequence he attributes to the collision of unaddressed trauma and unchecked power.

Throughout our discussion, we explore various peacemaking themes. Jared emphasizes the influence of language in either reinforcing or dismantling oversimplified binaries and false equivalencies. We delve into the delicate balance between urgency and grief, contemplating how to navigate this tension effectively. We underscore the significance of speaking truth to power and advocating for societal change within our respective traditions, fostering engagement rather than disengagement.

Our conversation also touches on the paradoxical nature of attempting to eradicate an ideology with the very violence that gave rise to it. We highlight the imperative of cultivating a more comprehensive, pro-human understanding and approach in the face of crises. Finally, we speak to the power of acknowledging one’s fallibility—the recognition that we are never entirely right and are inherently prone to error.

The Virtual Immersion is a series of conversations to platform and amplify the experiences and insights of our Palestinian and Israeli friends and peacemaking partners. The live conversations first take place on Instagram Live @globalimmerse and are then made available as podcast episodes. These are vulnerable, challenging conversations with peacemakers who are embedded within the trenches of this war.

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