Today we are casting our weekly spotlight on three extraordinary leaders outside of Jewish Buffalo who have been immersed in planning a program on a unique Israeli-Palestinian grassroots initiative promoting understanding, nonviolence, and transformation. A year ago, these leaders were among 25 individuals who participated in a Buffalo Jewish Federation Civic Leaders Trip to Israel, and one of the highlights was a visit to Roots/Shorashim/Judur (meaning “roots” in English, Hebrew, and Arabic.) outside of Jerusalem. The visit to their site was so powerful that these leaders embraced the opportunity to organize a “Roots/Shorashim/Judur” visit to Buffalo on their 40-event US tour.

The presenters from Roots are Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor A’wad. Rabbi Hanan lives in Alon Shvut, south of Jerusalem and is one of the founders of Roots/Shorashim/Judur, serving as its director of international relations. Noor lives in Bethlehem and when he is not working with Roots/Shorashim/Judur guides English-speakers on geopolitical tours of the region.

>We are grateful to Rev. Todd E. Leach, Timothy J. Sember and Rene Petties-Jones for making this visit possible. Each of these leaders has invested their passion, resources, and network to help share Roots/Shorashim/Judur’ powerful story.

Rev. Todd E. Leach the head pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC), host of the main event on Sunday, March 3. Rev. Leach received a Doctor of Ministry in Public Theology from Drew Theological School, a Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Ohio University.

Timothy J. Sember is the VP of Mission and Advancement for Trocaire College. Tim has experience in human services organizations, board development, community relations, dealing with regulatory requirements, team building, fiscal oversight, and donor cultivation. He has been an incredible partner assisting in every aspect of the Roots/Shorashim/Judur visit from fundraising, recruiting schools and the technical presentation.

Rene Petties-Jones is the President of National Federation of Just Communities of WNY. Rene has a strong history in nonprofit organizations, community building, event, and volunteer management and has graciously used her PR expertise in the marketing and publicity for the Roots/Shorashim/Judur events.

We are also grateful to other members of the planning team, including Deborah Goldman, Jewish Community Relations Council; Darren Brown-Hall, Superintendent of Williamsville Central School District; Matt Frahm, Superintendent of Clarence Central School District; Molly Carr, Jewish Family Services of WNY; and Dr. Alex Green, University of Buffalo.

The community is welcome to attend the Roots/Shorashim/Judur program on Sunday March 3rd at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 724 Delaware Ave beginning at 6:30 pm. Please click here to register.