“Because of Your Beard I Can Talk to You”: Rabbi Froman as Crisis Mediator between Israelis and Palestinians
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Although the paper represents commendable research and exposition, one would have expected some critical reflections. The Palestinians of the West Bank are deprived of fundamental political and human rights; indeed, they are under Israeli military rule. Can the inter-religious dialogue and understanding promoted by Rabb Forman. as laudable as it is, effectively forge Palestinian-Israeli peace while ignoring this core issue?
Author Response
I added a section titled: "4. The Challenges of Froman's Peace Vision", which responds the comments of the two reviewers.
Reviewer 2 Report
The article is interesting, and Rabbi Forman as a unique phenomenon in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is important to reckon. What is missing in this article is challenges. We see a detailed history of attempts of Rabbi Forman to engage with Palestinians leaders, especially with Islamic religious leaders. We do not see any religious challenge. Is the idea of a Jewish state accepted by a religion that believes in an authority of Islam over Umm Al Kitab? Over the Dhimmi? Of course, traditional commentaries of those terms are qualified by some of modern Islamic leaders, but those discussions are essential for such an article. The article did mention some Jewish discussion regarding a Jewish acceptance of Islam, but none regarding Islamic acceptance of Judaism. Assuming that religions may solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, can not be done without any mention of some serious considerations.
The other challenge is political. Why where Israeli politicians so stubborn in their refusal to accept Rabbi Froman's resolutions? The article does not present us with any reasoning.
Adding these two challenges may enrich the article, both theologically and politically.
Author Response
I added a section titled: "4. The Challenges of Froman's Peace Vision", which responds the comments of the two reviewers.
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Please clarify the following texts:
line 190 -- "that there is a vision" (do you mean that the Muslims and Jews share a vision of peace"? This vision, of course, need not include a shared life of political equality ...
line 197 -- "unified vision" -- spell out
line 209 "he sourced his family's experience" -- do you mean, he evoked ... ?
Author Response
Corrections were done
Reviewer 2 Report
I am very happy with the additional section. The article is much better and much more convincing. Thank you!.
Author Response
Thank you!
