Bridging the Gap
Storytelling as a Way to Work Through Political and Collective Hostilities
- 213 pages
- 8 hours of reading
This collection features a series of reflections and personal accounts stemming from a unique project aimed at fostering understanding among descendants of Holocaust victims and Nazi perpetrators. Contributors share their experiences from the TRT sessions held between 1992 and 1998, detailing the emotional and psychological journeys involved in confronting historical trauma. The narratives explore themes of trust, healing, and the complexities of identity, as participants engage in storytelling as a means of peace-making. Each contributor offers insights into their personal processes during the project, from initial preparations for seminars to the challenges faced in various contexts, including South Africa and Northern Ireland. The stories reveal the weight of memories and the struggle for authenticity in representing their backgrounds. Participants reflect on the transformative power of dialogue, the pressure of expectations, and the deep learning that emerges from grappling with difficult histories. The collection culminates in a round-table discussion that highlights the diverse perspectives of individuals from Germany, Israel, Palestine, Northern Ireland, and the USA, emphasizing the importance of bridging divides through shared narratives. The project not only addresses the aftermath of the Shoah but also seeks to create a space for healing and understanding across generations.