At DNC, rabbi outlines ‘redemption story’ that includes Israelis and Palestinians living in peace

CHICAGO — A Los Angeles rabbi touts a future in which Israelis and Palestinians “live in dignity and in peace,” in an invocation kicking off the second night of the Democratic National Convention.

“We have gathered together this week to craft a redemption story for America,” says Sharon Braus, who heads the non-denominational IKAR congregation.

“My faith is sustained by a redemption story. A people beleaguered and bereft, traversing the desert of a journey from degradation to dignity, from darkness to light,” she says alongside Imam Talib Shareef who delivers an opening prayer after her

“Holy One, help us write America’s redemption story… This story counters extremism with capaciousness and compassion.”

“It rejects the inevitability of war, affirming that every one of us, Muslim and Jew Christian, Black, white, Latino, AAPI, queer and straight, Israeli and Palestinian deserves to live in dignity and in peace,” she says to cheers from the gradually filling seats at the United Center.

Slated to address the crowd later tonight are former president Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Senator Bernie Sanders.