FOLLOW US
Jerusalem Interfaith Forum: Holy Places as an Anchor of Stability
Written by Dr. Nurit Hirschfeld, secretary general, UPF-Israel
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Jerusalem, Israel—Thirty guests of UPF-Israel attended the Jerusalem Interfaith Forum on May 28, 2015 at Hebrew University. At a time when tensions are high and fundamental religious forces are gaining power in the region, the Jerusalem Interfaith Forum convened to discuss “The Holy Places in Jerusalem as an Anchor of Stability in a Long-Term Arrangement.”
The event opened with greetings, given by Sheik Ali Birani, president of the Jerusalem Interfaith Forum, who is from Daliat El-Carmel. Following Sheik Birani’s opening remarks, Dr. Nurit Hirschfeld, secretary general of UPF-Israel spoke about the topic of the forum: “Our session is dedicated to searching [for] paths for stable peace in Jerusalem, and [how] the holy places in Jerusalem [can be] a solution [to] the conflict, rather than an excuse for [it].”
Father Masoud Abu Hatoum, a Greek Melkite priest from Nazareth, was the first speaker. He emphasized Jesus words’ of love, and the way of love and forgiveness, to point the way for peace for rather than conflict over the holy places: “God is living in us. If we want to feel God, we need to do to others only what we want people to do to us,” he said.
Sheik Samich Natur, editor in chief of Al-Amama, a Druze magazine in Israel, spoke about peace principles in the Druze religion, which call for the respect of all faiths, as long as the religion or faith does not harm followers of the Druze faith. Sheik Natur also said that the Druze religion respects all holy places of other religions. The Druze religion’s respect for and way of living in peace with all faiths was inspiring.
Rabbi Edgar Nof, chair of Bridges for Hope, a non-profit in Haifa, said that holy places are not revered as holy by people today. He talked about his yearning, as a Jew, for the Western Wall and Jerusalem to be respected as holy places—not places to be disputed over. “We should elevate [ourselves] morally [so that] we can feel the holiness of these places,” said Rabbi Nof. He mentioned that several days ago, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) had destroyed pieces of art and holy places. The way in which they destroy holy places has become major news. “But, at the same attack, thousands of people were murdered. It seemed that the media cared less for the human lives [that were lost] then for the holy places that were destroyed,” he said. “Holiness should [begin within] ourselves, in our sensitivity for human life and for people, rather than for buildings,” concluded Rabbi Nof.
If you find this page helpful and informative please consider making donation. Your donation will help Universal Peace Federation (UPF) provide new and improved reports, analysis and publications to you and everyone around the world.
UPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are automatically provided for donations of or above $250.00.
|
Donate to the Universal Peace Federation: Your donation to support the general programs of UPF. |
Donate to the Religious Youth Service (RYS): Your donation will be used for service projects around the world. |
Donate to UPF's Africa Projects: Your donation will be used for projects in Africa. |
Related Articles
Canada
UPF-Canada Convenes Webinar on “Viewing the DPRK from Within”
Canada—The sixth webinar in UPF-Canada’s “Viewing the DPRK from Within” series was held.
Switzerland
UPF-Switzerland Discusses Neutrality as Potential Path to Peace on the Korean Peninsula
Geneva, Switzerland—Experts set out proposals for Korean reunification during a discussion co-sponsored by UPF.
South Korea
UPF-Korea Holds 19th Forum for a Unified Korea
Seoul, Korea—A reporter for The Washington Times spoke about the necessity of U.S.-Korea-Japan cooperation for peace in Northeast Asia.