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Interfaith Group Meets With IntentJews, Christians, Muslims, Bahais, Druze In Israel Work For ChangeNegative media attention about Israelis and Palestinians keeps the existence and accomplishments of the courageous Interfaith Encounter Association a well-kept secret.
The VisionPeaceful intentions, hope, willingness to listen, and interest in seeing another’s point of view motivate thousands to participate in innovative models for cross-cultural encounters. Interfaith Encounter Association participants are not striving to blend their traditions, but are coming together in safety and respect. The Association’s vision is dedicated to promoting peace in the Middle East. The members “believe that, rather than being a cause of the problem, religion can and should be a source of the solution for conflicts that exist in the region and beyond.” Signing up for their newsletter published in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, readers will be inspired to applaud and be uplifted by these partnerships created across the Holy Land, the Middle East, and the world. Topics Of The GatheringsThe topics of encounters vary widely. One format is ongoing groups that meet monthly. An interfaith coordinating team leads them with one member representing each religious community in the area. It is the team’s job to exemplify the desired community relations—respect and strengthening of the unique identity of each population. Every meeting is dedicated to a theme of study such as: the rights of women, Avraham/Ibrahim in the scriptures and religious traditions, international children’s day, comparing languages, similar programs in other countries, and practices regarding the preparation and eating of food. Some of the meetings include song, a meal, children’s games, the showing of a film, or other activities related to the topic of study. Women’s and Youth Interfaith EncountersMuslim, Christian, Druze, and Jewish women study topics of relevance from the perspective of their religions to deepen awareness of their own religion and participants’ shared values. Their meetings also create a sacred space of trust and support during times of difficulty. Young adult encounters focus on issues of mutual interest, especially that of encouraging change in the larger society. One of the three existing groups is specifically devoted to environmental concerns. Additional ActivitiesIEA also sponsors retreats and conferences. Retreats are held on a variety of religious topics providing intense encounters. The format includes small group discussions, witnessing prayers, and social evenings. While members try to avoid discordant debates, they work to share deeply while respecting their neighbor. Muslims, Jews, and Christians also meet in an annual conference aimed at increasing cross-cultural understanding to promote coexistence. The organization also sponsors field trips to archaeological and sacred locations. It’s important for the world to see that in the midst of what seems to be irreconcilable situations, there are many people working hard to strengthen their knowledge of other people through heartfelt partnerships.
The copyright of the article Interfaith Group Meets With Intent in Alternative Spirituality is owned by BJ Appelgren. Permission to republish Interfaith Group Meets With Intent in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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