Written by Abed Alsalam Manasra (Israel Programs Manager)

Every year, since 2004, the Abrahamic Reunion hosts an interfaith iftar during Ramadan. It is our biggest program of the year, and we invite many people from all of the religions present in Israel.

An iftar is the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan in Islam. Ramadan is a holy month, during which Muslims fast every day from the morning prayer until after sunset. At this time of year, that means no food or water from about 4:00 am to 8:00 pm.

This year’s interfaith iftar was wonderful and reflected the love, fraternity, and harmony between all attendees. More than 120 people attended the event, all from different places and religions in the Holy Land. We were honored by the presence of a number of religious leaders, who delivered important messages. All of this created a powerful atmosphere of brotherhood, love, closeness, and coexistence.

Sheikh Ghassan Manasra (AR International Director) welcomed everyone and opened the event with a wonderful speech. He then invited the religious leaders to speak about the importance of love and peace.

Speakers included:

  • Sheikh Abed Alsalam Manasra – AR Israel Programs Manager
  • Sheikh Hilmi Hamad – imam in the village of Aylout
  • Father Atallah Makhouli – Orthodox bishop in the village of Kafr Yasif
  • Siham Halabi – representative of the Druze from Daliat al-Karmel
  • Rabbi Leora Ezrachi-Vered – Negun Halev
  • Rabbi Ra’anan Mallek, M.Ed., M.A.  – AR Israeli Board Member

Rabbi Ariella Gertz from Nahariya offered a prayer of love, sincerity, and coexistence. Her husband and friend joined her to pray in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, so that everyone present could understand.

After the prayer, we all went to the dining hall to break our fasts. As we ate, we listened to poetry from one of the participants. We all talked, laughed, and sang together. We parted in love and peace after four hours of connection and harmony.

It is worth mentioning that the interfaith iftar is one of the Abrahamic Reunion’s most important and successful programs because of the spirituality and love from the people that attend. Guests of all sects and religions meet and share food together as they talk and get to know each other.

Our mission is to gather people together and build bridges between them in Israel, where the population is about 21% Muslim, 5% Christian and Druze, and 74% Jewish. Arabs and Muslims are a minority, so we have a sacred duty to create programs that strengthen relations and help people to recognize that these minorities are an important part of Israeli society.

We know that in spite of the conflicts in Holy Land specifically, and the Middle East more generally, God created this earth for all of us. We must rely on our faith and understanding as we work to live together.

It is each person’s duty to respect those around them. Helping and loving each other will prevent wars and conflicts. The human being is sacred, and when the human being learns to love their neighbor and respect their beliefs and ideas, then they will be able to live in peace and brotherhood together.

It is our responsibility to support programs and efforts that foster peace. We all yearn to live in peace, freedom, tranquility, and respect. Everyone has the right to their own beliefs, their own form of worship, and their own prayer, as long as it does not harm others.

The interfaith iftar that we do every year brings hundreds of people closer together, and it helps people to recognize the wide variety of people that make up Israeli society. People of different religions have the opportunity to interact with each other and develop a deep connection.

The Abrahamic Reunion’s work brings out living example of how real experiences change lives. With our four monthly programs (for families, women, youth, and text study), Palestinians and Israelis get in touch with each other and develop a deep love and real partnership. The Abrahamic Reunion is the bridge that allows them to come together.

Unfortunately, these great programs cost money. Even with our small budget, the programs have produced great fruits and had a huge influence in society. Today, the name of the Abrahamic Reunion is known by more than 40% of Israelis and Palestinians living in the Holy Land. We are known for the strength of our programs and the real, on-the-ground impact they have in society.

With your help, we could become an even greater force for peace and humanity. Your support allows us to build these important bridges: bridges of love, fraternity, and peace.

 

Abed Alsalam Manasra

Israel Programs Manager