Though awash in news and media full of the Gaza War, there are constant occasions and efforts at harmonious interfaith relations in the region that are less known, but more hopeful. In 2012, a Palestinian-owned tree-processing plant in close proximity … Continue reading
The constancy of war, and the unavoidable fact that religious elements often are present, attest to a need for interfaith knowledge and awareness. An important question to ask in this interfaith context is “How much should interfaith partners keep the focus … Continue reading
July 15th, the 17th of Tammuz, typically stands as a Jewish fast day and the beginning of a three-week mourning period for the two Jerusalem Temples’ destruction. What makes this year’s observance particularly interesting however, lies in its coinciding with … Continue reading
Following the kidnap-murder of three Israeli teens and one Palestinian teen, the families of murdered Israeli teen Naftali Fraenkel and Palestinian teen Mohammad Abu Khudeir have drawn comfort from one another. This past week, the Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat brought to … Continue reading
The IRFWP reports with great sorrow that jihadists who overran Mosul last month destroyed ancient shrines and mosques in and around this northern Iraq city. Upon occupying the city, four Sunni and/or Sufi shrines and six Shiite mosques have been toppled … Continue reading
On June 12th, three Israeli teenagers were kidnapped near the south part of Jerusalem. In response to this tragedy, the Tag Meir forum, a grassroots organization that combats Jewish vandalism that targets Palestinians, assembled an interfaith meeting to pray and … Continue reading
This Sunday, June 8, 2014, Israeli president Shimon Peres and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas will visit Pope Francis at the Vatican. During their visit, the two Papal guests will pray for peace in the Holy Land. They will be joined … Continue reading
The civil war in Central African Republic is especially brutal, creating a humanitarian crisis so severe that it has captured world attention.The conflict is driven by “complex economic, social, and political factors,” but much of it arises from tense religious … Continue reading
Each year, during the first week of February, interfaith activists celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week, calling our attention to the ideals of mutual respect, understanding, and individuality of the world’s different religions. Since its small beginnings, recognition of the week … Continue reading
As seen in Bradford, England, there is indeed power in even small acts of care and reaching out. One never knows when a natural human kindness will translate into something much greater, often when we least expect it. With … Continue reading