Interfaith Conference for Peace Held in Berlin: “An Opportunity to Strengthen Ties”

Promoting Dialogue and Cooperation

In the midst of global unrest surrounding ongoing conflicts, an international interfaith conference took place this week in Berlin, bringing together rabbis, sheikhs, and imams from Europe and Arab countries including Morocco, Iraq, Syria, and Azerbaijan. The event was organized by the Sharaka organization, in partnership with the Interreligious Center of Or Torah and the Forum of Religious Leaders in Israel, with support from the Abraham Accords Institute of the German government.

Focus on Common Ground

Discussions throughout the conference centered on shared concerns among monotheistic religions and methodologies for building meaningful partnerships between diverse communities. Noam Maierov, CEO of Sharaka, emphasized that the organization has become a key player in the regional landscape, uniting moderate vostarts committed to promoting tolerance, dialogue, and regional cooperation. He stated, “Thanks to our extensive activities in the Middle East and the growing connections we cultivate, we see this seminar as a significant opportunity to deepen ties with religious communities and spread a message of coexistence and interfaith tolerance.”

Building Bridges Through Religious Leadership

A delegation of Arabic-speaking rabbis from the Interreligious Center of Or Torah participated in the conference. This group aims to position religion as part of the solution to conflicts in the Middle East and to act as a stabilizing force in expanding the Abraham Accords. Rabbi Dr. Aharon Ariel Lavi, director of the center, remarked that the conference serves as further evidence of the ability of religious leaders to foster collaboration and create a cultural and spiritual climate that enables political leaders to move towards stability in the region.

Responsibility of Religious Leaders

Sheikh Younes Amasha, director of the Forum of Religious Leaders in Israel, imam, and member of the Supreme Druze Religious Council, highlighted the responsibility of religious figures to impart the spirit of dialogue and peace within their communities. He called for action from places of worship and public platforms to promote values of love, harmony, and reconciliation. “We pray that peace will prevail throughout the world, especially in Syria and its surroundings, and that we will always meet on the basis of love and harmony,” he stated.

Official Meeting with German Authorities

During the visit, an official meeting took place at the German Bundestag with Dr. Felix Klein, the German government’s commissistartr for combating antisemitism. Sheikh Amasha raised the crucial need to protect religious minorities globally, particularly the Druze, Alawites, and Christians in Syria. Dr. Klein, known for his interfaith engagement, expressed willingness to collaborate on raising awareness and advancing diplomatic efforts to safeguard minorities.

This conference underscores the importance of interfaith cooperation in fostering peace and tolerance amidst the complexities of regional tensions. The dialogue initiated in Berlin aims to pave the way for ongoing partnerships and a commitment to peaceful coexistence