Jewish-Muslim Reconciliation: A Psychopolitical Strategy

The title of this chapter is ambitious and misleading. The purpose here is to set out the broad outlines of a conflict analysis and resolution approach and process the subheadings of which each merits a monograph of its own. In the limited space available, we can only provide a broad-brush exposition of themes and tasks in a psychopolitical strategy for Jewish-Muslim reconciliation. But the bias here should be clear. Before any reconciliation strategy—any resolution of conflict—there must be a profound and comprehensive process of conflict analysis. We must have thorough knowledge of the conflict’s history that will reveal the accumulation of wounds to the self-concept and self-esteem of the victims, who at times in history may have been themselves perpetrators.

Acquiring the necessary knowledge requires intensive study of history. It also requires effective, psychologically sensitive facilitation of dialogue between representatives of the groups in conflict. We must listen carefully to the stories and especially the fears, anxieties, and resentments of peoples in seemingly intractable political and religious conflicts as they relate their inherited or personal memories. We must show respect for their humanity and their cultural identity, including religious identity, and we must express our concern for their well-being and their children’s well-being and future. Or more simply, that we care about them.

In a world where conflict is never ending, this thoughtful compilation fosters a new appreciation of the art of peacemaking as it is understood and practiced in a variety of contemporary settings.

Whenever we seek to understand others, build healthy relationships, soothe discord, right wrongs, or nurture respect, we are making peace. Whatever the situation, peacemaking is about learning—learning the other; learning the issue; learning the future; learning to co-create a new, shared reality. The more we know about how peace is made, the better equipped we are to help peace prevail.

Peacemaking: From Practice to Theory is about seeing, knowing, and learning peacemaking as it exists in the real world. Built on the premise that peacemaking is among the most elemental of human experiences, this seminal work emphasizes the importance of practice and lived experiences in understanding the process and learning what works to nurture peace.

To appropriately reflect the diversity of peacemaking practices, challenges, and innovations, these two volumes bring together many authors and viewpoints. The first volume consists of two sections: "Peacemaking in Practice" and "Towards an Inclusive Peacemaking;" the second of two additional sections: "New Directions in Peacemaking" and "Interpreting Peacemaking." As the title states, the work moves peacemaking beyond mere theory, showcasing peacemaking efforts produced, recorded, recognized, and understood by a variety of individuals and institutions. In doing so, it refocuses the study of peacemaking and guides readers to a systematic understanding and appreciation of the practices of peacemakers around the globe.

Features
• Contributions from an international, interdisciplinary team of 48 experts who bring together insights from peace and conflict resolution studies, anthropology, sociology, law, cultural studies, and political science
• First-person narratives detailing the experiences of prominent peacemakers
• Offers access to an ongoing, Internet-based, practice-to-theory project
• An extensive bibliography of resources about peacemaking and related fields

Highlights
• Recognizes and promotes peacemaking as an empirical, shared human experience
• Proposes a practice-to-theory movement for facilitating peacemaking, linking academic research with practice across disciplines
• Draws on insights from multiple religious and philosophical traditions
• Enriches the reader's understanding of the evolving international system