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Reconciliation is a path that must be walked, a journey, full of ups and downs, valleys and hilltops. We are all commanded by God to undertake this journey, but unfortunately, not everyone heeds this call. Still, there are many courageous people actually set out to accomplish the difficult task of reconciliation, in this collection you will find some of their stories. For years Musalaha has been asked to document the personal stories of these brave people, the men, women, and youth who have answered the divine call for fellowship, but we have been hesitant.

We knew that it would be difficult for these people to share their stories, since this always involves a certain measure of vulnerability, opening up and exposing an intensely personal and private process to the outside world. Especially when dealing with such a contentious, divisive issue, this can be very scary, and we want first and foremost to protect our participants. However, we decided that a collection of personal stories would help encourage our participants and supporters, and offer a model for those interested in joining the reconciliation projects Musalaha operates.

Our goal for this project was twofold: first we wanted to allow the participants to speak freely and openly about the process of reconciliation, and to explain the healing and transformative experience in their own words. At the same time, we wanted to honestly assess the challenges, and difficulties that come from engaging in the process of reconciliation. We have no interest in presenting sugar-coated, “feel-good” stories about how wonderfully Israeli Messianic Jews and Palestinian Christians get along. A certain amount of editorial cuts were made to these stories, but overall the voice of the participants comes through. The disagreements, challenges and inconsistencies are in these stories, and in these reflections; out in the open for all to see. In order to maintain this delicate balance, we needed to find someone with knowledge of the conflict and all of its intricacies, sensitivity to the pain and suffering experienced on both sides, and a willingness to ask difficult questions and speak the truth in love. In Jonathan McRay, we found a writer possessing of all these qualities.

Jonathan came to our office armed with an incredible writing ability and an excitement for the project that was contagious. He was young, idealistic, and full of energy; and he was to make use of every bit of it as he traveled throughout Israel and Palestine, over the course of his five month stay. In conducting around 40 interviews with Musalaha participants, as well as attending a number of Musalaha events, Jonathan was able to gain an understanding of what we, as an organization, stand for; the challenges we face and the issues we deal with. He also had to struggle with these same issues, and he displayed a generous spirit, and was able to relate to the people he encountered on a human level. This shows through in his stories and it shows through in his life.

Unfortunately, not all of these interviews became stories, and not all of the stories are included in this book. While every story is unique, important, and needs to be told, that would require a much bigger book. This volume is only a sample, but the stories it contains, and the reflections on the stories near the end, are representative of the restorative as well as difficult aspects of the journey of reconciliation. Reconciliation is no easy task, but Jonathan’s unique style has brought out the human aspect in each story, which contains a trace of hope for the future. Through his eye for detail and his vivid depictions he demonstrates that all people are the same, we all share the same hopes and dreams, the same fears and anxieties, and the same God.

On a personal note, it has been an honor and a privilege to share a part of this journey with Jonathan, and I am extremely thankful for all the work, time, and effort he put into the realization of this dream. I would also like to thank Sara Fischer, Ambreen Tour Ben-Shmuel and Joshua Korn for their editorial work on these stories. Without their help this project would not have been possible. I hope that the stories in this volume will inspire, challenge, and motivate others in the way they have inspired, challenged, and motivated me.

Salim J. Munayer

Musalaha Director