Global Oneness Project's 25-minute retrospective, "What Would It Look Like? ", encourages us to reflect on the state of the world and ourselves, and to listen to what is being asked of us at this time of unprecedented global transformation.

With seemingly intractable violence in the Middle East in the foreground, it is hard to imagine enduring peace on the horizon. Many think it all but impossible, yet some long-time peacemakers assert a way through this region's age-old conflict exists, a resolution based on mutual respect and understanding. Rabbi Menachem Froman is one of those people.

Recently profiled in the New York Times (December 5, 2008), and interviewed by the Global Oneness Project in the West Bank Israeli settlement of Tekoa last summer, Rabbi Froman approaches the Israeli/Palestinian conflict with a larger perspective, believing at its core it's an issue of East and West and therefore a reflection of one larger conflict of global concern.

Froman argues that as the nature of the conflict is religious, spiritual leaders have an important role to play in the peace-making process. According to Froman, if we can recognize that both Muslims and Westerners have valuable things to offer, then peace will follow.

"Muslims must understand that… Western civilization is not all dark. And the West must learn that Islam is not synonymous with terrorism."

Watch Rabbi Froman's complete interview here.

Rabbi Froman is just one of several leading peacemakers in the region recently interviewed by Global Oneness Project, and this month we are featuring questions in our online dialogues with other important Middle Eastern voices as well, including Ibtisam Mahameed and Sami Awad (see their video clips below).

Come join the discussion and let your voice be heard.

The ancient Chinese hexagram for crisis means both danger and opportunity. But what determines the outcome? Is it in our hands? Do we have the power to choose?

Danger naturally focuses our minds, and when faced with it we instinctively contract, withdraw, or pull-in to protect and defend. Individuals do it, and so do countries.

Is there another way?