Register for these two sessions with RMS Sumud friend, Rich Forer on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 pm MST and Thursday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 pm MST

Join RMS Sumud for two conversations with author Richard Forer, “From Tribal Identity to Common Humanity: A Spiritual Awakening Through the Israel-Palestine Tragedy.”

Drawing on his personal journey and experiences in Israel and Palestine, Forer will explore how our inborn compassion can transform an us-against-them worldview into a recognition of our common humanity with all people.



The first conversation will focus on Forer’s transformation from a staunch defender of Israel against all criticism to an advocate for equal rights for all people.

The second conversation will examine the historical narratives and arguments that reinforce an us-against-them worldview.

A former member of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) with Orthodox relatives living in settlements in the West Bank, Forer has visited the West Bank and Gaza Strip. For his entire life, he supported Israel’s justifications for its policies, believing that the Jewish state was an innocent nation eager to make peace with its neighbors.

Everything changed in 2006 when he underwent a spiritual awakening through which he recognized his common humanity with all people. Profoundly affected by this new reality and wanting to share his wisdom with others, he devoted himself to years of intensive daily research, which culminated in Breakthrough: Transforming Fear into Compassion—A New Perspective on the Israel-Palestine Conflict (2010) and the New York City Big Book Award-winning Wake Up and Reclaim Your Humanity: Essays on the Tragedy of Israel-Palestine(2020).

Each Q&A session will offer opportunities for reflection and learning as we consider what it means to accompany our Jewish and Palestinian neighbors.