For some months, I have been receiving reports from the Interfaith Encounter Association (IEA) in Jerusalem. Amidst all the hatred and violence we see in the news in this, and other parts of the world, these reports are testament to the indomitable will of people to work for peace. They have accomplished what the most powerful leaders and governments have not been able to accomplish. This is their story.
Interfaith dialogues have been going on in Israel since the late 1950's started by a small group of visionaries. By their own report, modest success has been achieved, at least by worldly standards.
"Despite decades of commendable interfaith activities in the country, to date only an extremely limited circle of individuals has recognized that religious faith and commitment without dialogue threatens the stability of society, and thus seriously engages in dialogue"
Now nearly 50 years later, led by the Interfaith Encounter Association founded four years ago, they are steadfast in their dedication to promote coexistence in the Middle East through cross-cultural study and inter-religious dialogue:
"We believe that, rather than being the cause of the problem, religion can and should be a source of solution for the conflicts that exist in the region and beyond. We do not believe in the blending of all traditions into one undifferentiated group, but in providing a table where all can come and sit in safety and ease, while being fully who they are in their respective religions."
IEA has an array of projects that are thoughtfully documented event by event to share the experiences and successes with others. I've been particularly moved by the reports from the General Studies Sessions for children. Each session creates a learning experience for the children of different faiths. It gives them time together to step into each other's cultures and faith---and then experience it first-hand, teaching respect, responsibility, trust and love for others in an experiential encounter. Here is an excerpt from a recent report. The description of this wonderful day and the children's reflections on the experience help you understand why this IEA endeavor endures after nearly 50 years.
A Story from Karmiel-Majd el-Krum Interfaith Encounter - 2nd Graders
...After a short meeting in the classrooms we walked in the village's alleys and visited the mosque. The Imam explained to the children the structure of the mosque and about Islam and answered the children's questions. We came back to the school for the activity on road safety. The children worked in mixed groups and drew rules related the subject.
We ate a meal together. The children enjoyed the visit and shared their experience with us and here are some of the things they said:
"I enjoyed the mosque as it was quiet there" (Katia)
"I enjoyed listening to the Imam sing" (Morel)
"I enjoyed drawing in the class with the children from Majd el-Krum" (Orel)
"In the mosque I met an Arab girl who knew Hebrew. We talked together and I felt I was respected" (Hadar)
"When the Imam spoke it was interesting. He told us things I didn't know, except the story of Abraham" (Philip)
"I learned how the receive guests and the name of their holy place" (Orel)
"I learned from the Imam that in the mosque there is a big Quran book" (Omer)
"I met new friends. Everybody thinks they all hate us but it is not true" (Einav)
"The encounters bring me closer to them and I feel as if they are our own people" (Ron)Written by Ani and Tali, Educators of 2nd grade classes at "Kalanit"
It's hard to read the children's heartwarming experiences without also feeling a great sense of responsibility, knowing there is so much left to do. It instantly brought back a message that I've cherished from the late King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan, upon him peace that validates what we can learn from these children in this experience:
"We decided on a dialogue between our people...I often witnessed the wonderful discovery that occurs when people suddenly realize that they are the same, that their problems are the same, that their fears are the same, that their hopes are the same, that their aspirations are the same.
What will you do to promote respect, understanding and love of others in your span of influence? Imagine the power of each of us taking one small action?
Debbe Kennedy
Learn more about the Interfaith Encounter Association
Visit the Global Dialogue Center
Help build a new World Vision and learn WHAT YOU CAN DO
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