The Magic of Tears

One definition of Peace is a state of harmony amongst diversity. The story is in three languages to embody this possibility. Shaya is a big boy now and not supposed to cry. But one day, fed up, he opens the door and runs towards the sea. On the way, guided by the wind, he discovers how the pain within our hearts can be released and healed through the Magic of Tears. Ultimately, Shaya's journey also helps his parents discover the magic of tears and open their hearts. The Magic of Tears describes how our natural inborn healing mechanism works in a story that will touch the hearts of children and adults. It was written and illustrated by a three generation team who live in Israel, served in the military or in national service and have experienced the Israeli Palestinian conflict "up close and personal". Nitsan (the mother and daughter) wrote the book, Rachella (the grandmother and mother) and Shir (the daughter and granddaughter) illustrated it. In 2003, along with her Arab and Jewish colleagues in Israel, Nitsan created the Together Beyond Words Organization (TBW) (www.beyondwords.org.il) that has since provided workshops and trainings for Arab and Jewish women and more recently men to release their pain related to the conflict, regain their ability to feel empathy towards one another and work together for change. The Magic of Tears describes, through the eyes of a young boy, one key aspect of our healing work. Fifty percent of the profits from this book will be donated to the Together Beyond Words Organization so we can expand our efforts to transform the pain that is fueling the conflict in the Middle East into understanding and empathy…

"I have known and admired Nitsan Joy Gordon for almost eight years. In Nitsan’s capacity as director of Together Beyond Words, our paths have intersected professionally because of our shared passion for furthering world-wide opportunities for women’s empowerment. We have both dedicated our lives and work to helping create bridges for healing, advancement, and peace for humankind. Nitsan is a visionary, and her lived experience in Israel is a story for the world. The writings she produces in connection with her work are beautifully crafted, passionate, and moving. She herself is an inspiration, and her writing inspires others. These are the stories that need to be told. These are the stories that open hearts and eyes and engage hearts. These are the stories that have the potential to engage the world and inspire change. Any contribution to Nitsan’s ability to be able to write down her wisdom (and her accompanying call to action) benefits much more than her own life. This is gift to the world: words from the heart of the Middle Eastern struggle, filtered through the heart and soul of one who is living it with insight and awareness. " --- Paula D'Arcy, a writer, retreat leader, and conference and seminar speaker and the President of the Red Bird Foundation