A major modern conundrum is how the Arab/Israel conflict remains unresolved and, seemingly, unresolvable. In his latest book, Embracing Israel/Palestine: A Strategy to Heal and Transform the Middle East, Rabbi Michael Lerner suggests that a change in consciousness is crucial. He examines how the mutual demonization and discounting of each sides' legitimate needs drive the debate, and he points to new ways of thinking that can lead to a solution. Lerner emphasizes that this new approach to the issue requires giving primacy to love, kindness, and generosity. It calls for challenging the master narratives in both Israel and Palestine, as well as the false idea that "homeland security" can be achieved through military, political, economic, or media domination.
Rabbi Lerner is an internationall renowned social theorist, theologian, psychotherapist, and the editor of Tikkun Magazine. He is rabbi of Beyt Tikkun synagogue, which meets in San Francisco and Berkeley.
