![man at left speaks from the podium to a virtual guest who is seen on screen at center](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-02/02182025-PeopleofFaithinTimesofCrisis-107_900x600.jpg?itok=h5Z224ox) # Beyond Differences: Book Discussion Examines the Power of Friendship in Pursuing Peace with Justice February 26, 2025 On Tuesday, February 18, Harvard Divinity School hosted the second session of the three-part series, “People of Faith in Times of Crisis.” Following the [first gathering](https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2025/02/14/hds-community-book-read-and-discussion-aims-foster-dialogue-across-difference) that featured a discussion with the Israeli author, Yossi Klein Halevi, on his book, *Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor*, part two focused on *Where the Line is Drawn: A Tale of Crossings, Friendships, and Fifty Years of Occupation in Israel-Palestine* by the Palestinian lawyer, writer, and human rights advocate Raja Shehadeh, who joined the conversation via Zoom. In her opening remarks, [HDS Dean Marla F. Frederick](https://www.hds.harvard.edu/people/marla-f-frederick) reiterated her hopes for the series, emphasizing its importance for the School during this time. She underscored her intention that these discussions serve as spaces for honest and authentic exploration into these difficult issues. “We want this space to be open to all to freely engage and ask questions,” said Frederick. “We are committed, individually and as a community, to listening, speaking, and acting with candor, equitability, and courtesy, so that all may participate freely within a climate of openness, trust, and sensitivity.” Throughout the book, Shehadeh narrates his experiences living in Ramallah, a major Palestinian city in the occupied West Bank. Over the course of several decades, through the First and Second Intifadas (“uprisings” that began in 1987 and 2000, respectively), the Oslo Accords, wars, and the shifting, shrinking boundaries of Palestinian land, which Shehadeh likens to tectonic movements occurring over a mere matter of months, he portrays the lives of real people amid so much turmoil and how they have been affected—including their movement, friendships, hopes, homes, memories, identities, families, and love. Within his narration of lives lived in the wake of such epochal upheavals, including his own, Shehadeh's deep grief over what has been lost and his anger at the injustices suffered are cast through a lens of care, one that leaves room for human moments of connection—both within his community and across difference. One such connection is explored with particular attention throughout the narrative: the friendship between Shehadeh and the Israeli psychoanalyst Henry Abramovitch. Shehadeh weaves the ebbing and flowing of this friendship through the story, chronicling its growth, challenges, and triumphs. Although, at times, he expresses anger towards Abramovitch’s perceived passivity, Shehadeh ultimately affirms the goodness of a friendship that has brought—and continues to bring—an enriching depth and added perspective to both lives. In a Q&A session moderated by David Holland, Bartlett Professor of New England Church History and associate dean for faculty and academic affairs, Shehadeh updated the event’s participants on the status of his friendship with Henry: while they are still friends, dire conditions in the region have prevented them from seeing each other over the last year and a half. “Communication between Ramallah \[Shehadeh’s city\] and Jerusalem \[Abramovitch’s city\] has become so difficult,” he said. “It is an ordeal to get to Jerusalem now, so I don’t see Henry often anymore.” Shehadeh spoke to the current situation in the region in relation to its depiction in *Where the Line is Drawn*, which was published in 2017. “The book speaks of a period which is similar to now in basic terms,” said Shehadeh. “Though now it is worse than ever.” He then reflected on his hopes for readers engaging with the book. “I want readers to better understand the history of relations \[between Israelis and Palestinians\] and the impediments to peace,” said Shehadeh. “I also want them to come away with the sense that there is no basic difference between Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs; it is just that the conditions prohibit them from getting together and making peace. This is not due to any inherent difference in nature. When the situation changes, I think peace and good relations will come very naturally, spontaneously, and quickly.” One undeniable difference, though, is religion. According to Shehadeh, however, religious differences do not contribute to the conflict but rather provide a richer culture throughout the region. “Israel tries to make it a religious conflict; it isn’t,” said Shehadeh. “I am a Christian, and I live in a community with Muslims: our relations are as good as can be. It enriches the culture to have different religions present. We celebrate and enjoy each other’s feasts and traditions. Before 1948, Jews were living with Muslims and Christians as well. It was a much richer culture then. I don’t feel that religion is part of the conflict, really. It is a nationalist conflict, a colonial conflict.” Near the conclusion of the discussion, Shehadeh reflected on where he presently finds hope. “After the Oslo Accords \[during the 1990s\], people changed very quickly,” said Shehadeh. “Of course, they were disappointed, but it gave me a sense for how quickly people can change.” His meditation on hope continued when a student participant asked what the international community can do at this time to help bring peace to the region. Citing the 2024 ruling by the International Court of Justice concerning the removal of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory, Shehadeh said he hopes that the rule of law will eventually apply. Ultimately, Shehadeh wants a peace founded on justice, one in which Palestinians have the right to self-determination and can flourish on their land. In closing, Dean Frederick quoted Shehadeh’s book, “Memory is political in Israel and Palestine. What to remember? Who to remember? These questions should be asked by both sides, Israeli and Palestinian. The answers will determine our common future in this land and whether or not we will ever have peace.” *—HDS Office of Communications* Editor’s note: The third session of the series will explore the novel *Apeirogon* by Colum McCann*.* We will have more coverage following that discussion. See also:- [ Conflict and Peace ](/discover-stories-about/conflict-and-peace) - [ Faculty and Research ](/discover-stories-about/faculty-and-research)