Bridging the Gap: Storytelling as a Way to Work Through Political and Collective Hostilities

**Bridging the Gap: Storytelling as a Way to Work Through Political and Collective Hostilities** Delve into a powerful exploration of reconciliation and understanding with "Bridging the Gap: Storytelling as a Way to Work Through Political and Collective Hostilities." This compelling collection of essays and personal accounts documents a groundbreaking project focused on fostering dialogue between descendants of historical adversaries. Edited by Wolf Schmidt and featuring contributions from a diverse group of academics, activists, and individuals including Samson Munn, Joe Albeck, and others, this book offers profound insights into the psychological and emotional complexities of confronting the legacies of conflict. At the heart of this volume lies the "To Reflect and Trust" (TRT) project, an initiative designed to create safe spaces for descendants of Holocaust victims and Nazi perpetrators, as well as individuals affected by conflicts in Northern Ireland, South Africa, Israel, and Palestine, to engage in meaningful dialogue. The book meticulously chronicles the TRT process, revealing the challenges, breakthroughs, and transformative potential of facilitated storytelling. Readers will witness firsthand the emotional journeys of participants as they grapple with their family histories, confront prejudices, and strive to build bridges of empathy. Martin Bormann's account of the TRT sessions between 1992 and 1998 provides a unique and often unsettling perspective, while Julie C. Goschalk reflects on how the project challenged her worldview. Haim Maor explores the act of "laying the tablet," symbolizing the process of remembering and honoring the past. The book also delves into the practical aspects of the TRT project, detailing the preparations for the Hamburg Seminar and the selection of participants from diverse backgrounds. Shifra Sagy examines the complexities of representing one's community, while Deena Harris recounts her initial contacts with participants in South Africa. "Bridging the Gap" goes beyond anecdotal accounts by incorporating rigorous evaluation and analysis. Ifat Maoz presents an evaluation report, offering insights into the expectations, results, and long-term impact of the TRT project. Susanne Kutz documents a round-table discussion, capturing the voices of participants from Germany, Israel, Northern Ireland, Palestine, and the USA. Furthermore, the book explores the long-term effects of historical trauma and the potential for healing through storytelling. Joseph Peake reflects on the aftermath of the Shoah, while contributors from Northern Ireland and South Africa share their experiences with reconciliation and social change. Dirk Wegner reflects on the birth of the book and the journey the project went through. Dan Bar-On concludes by summarizing the Hamburg Experiment and drawing broader conclusions about the role of storytelling in fostering peace and understanding. "Bridging the Gap" is essential reading for anyone interested in conflict resolution, intergroup relations, political psychology, and the power of dialogue. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of building a more just and compassionate world. This book is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human capacity for empathy and reconciliation. It will resonate with academics, therapists, activists, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities of conflict and the transformative power of storytelling.