Jerusalem, Israel—On October 27, 2015, the Levinsky College of Education held a special class discussion on the role of educators in times of high tension for students in its excellence program.
Various faith leaders joined 60 students from the program for the discussion, which was co-organized by Levinsky College, Israel’s Department of Religious Communities of the Interior Ministry and UPF-Israel’s Jerusalem Interfaith Forum.
Dr. Ohr Margalit, head of Levinsky College’s department of Jewish theology, led the discussion, and introduced Father Masoud Abu Hatoum from the Wedding Church of Kafr Kanna, and Sheik Suliman Natal of a mosque in Jaffa.
After Father Abu Hatoum and Shiek Natal greeted the students, the class was divided into several groups for a discussion. Texts from various religions and cultures were given to the students, who were asked to read the materials and discuss the role of educators in times of high tension.
Father Abu Hatoum and Shiek Natal spent time with each group, all of whom had very lively discussions. The students asked questions and offered their thoughts on the discussion topic. The two faith leaders responded and shared their values, such as accepting the other and their religious commitment to the cause of peace, with the students.
At the end, Jewish, Christian and Muslim prayers were offered, and the muezzin[i] of the mosque in Jaffa—who accompanied Shiek Natal—beautifully sang a traditional song at the end of which the students applauded.
[i] The person appointed at a mosque to call the hour of daily prayers.