Reem Al Olabi, right, shares a hug with Sharon Kraak after the two met at a roundtable discussion Sunday at the annual Celebration of Abraham
(DAVIS, CA)- More than 225 local residents crowded into the St. James Catholic Church Community Center on Sunday afternoon, but only a light hum of voices could be heard. It was a time for listening. Arriving for the 14th annual Celebration of Abraham on January 27th, residents from all manner of religious faiths gathered under one roof to share traditions and reflect on recent events.
“We come together in our faiths to find friendship, mutual respect and support,” said Michael Hirsch of Congregation Bet Haverim, as he introduced the roundtable discussion.
“I have hope in spite of the divisiveness, bigotry and hateful speech and actions that have surfaced in our nation this last year,” Hirsch continued. “I believe we can make a difference.”