“Investing in the capacity of people to speak their truth and their story in front of those who have little to no appreciation of their story is essential to establishing a functional democracy. It is a critical blueprint in building transformational leadership that is rooted, strong, and confident enough to appreciate that others have differing perspectives that also deserve to be heard. Over the years, I have learned that we create borders and barriers inside our own heads about people we disagree with, thus contributing to our own inability to work things through. Time and time again, I have seen that neglecting to see the other’s pain further exacerbates the hardening of the heart and a further entrenched conflict. It’s why I stop to listen, to learn, and to create space for others to do the same. 

It’s also why at NewGround, we believe that conflict is natural and inevitable; yet it is not intractable, regardless of the history. Being stuck is a choice. Therefore, we build relationships between Muslims and Jews so that they can transform their communities through lasting partnership.

Democracy requires an ability to work through the difficult moments for the greater good and benefit of all. The more we are able to include people we disagree with, the stronger the outcome of our work will be.”