Clergy Council

Rabbi David Ariel-Joel

The Temple – Congregation Adath Israel Brith Sholom

Louisville, KY

“We hosted Shadi Abu Awwad and Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger at our synagogue. The event was cosponsored by Temple Shalom and other organizations. We had a full house, and it was an amazing event, a real eye opener. It is one of the best programs we ever had, a great success, and gave us a good feeling of supporting an extremely important and worthy cause.”

Rabbi Susan Leider

Congregation Kol Shofar | Tiburon, CA

Rabbi Beth Jacowitz Chottiner

Temple Shalom | Louisville KY

“Words can barely express how inspired and moved I was by Hanan and Shadi’s presentation.  The work they are doing is truly amazing.  The transformation that both of them have gone through – allowing them to have empathy and compassion for each other, as well as trust in each other – is close to miraculous.  The members of ROOTS all deserve to win the Nobel Prize.  Please invite them to speak in your city; the impact will be huge.”

Rabbi Hyim Shafner

Kesher Israel: The Georgetown Synagogue

Washington, DC

“The work of Shorashim/Roots is vital to the future of the Jewish people, Israel, and a world of peace.   Israel, and the Jewish people's deep connection to it, is an ancient Jewish value and Biblical commandment.  By the same token we are guided by the Biblical mandate to respect other human beings made in the image of G-d and care for our fellow brethren who are fellow great grandchildren of Abraham our ancestor.   Upon the foundation built by Rabbi Menachem Froman, zt"l and carried forward by my compassionate friend Rabbi Hannan Schlesinger,  Roots holds both of these values as important and is one of the organizations  spearheading the effort to come to a resolution withing of peace and understanding within our shared land.”