Interreligious dialogue needed for peace in Israel

Published: 2004-04-30

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Extensive interreligious dialogue and collaboration are necessary for Arabs and Jews to live together peacefully in the Middle East, two dialogue leaders said April 26 at The Catholic University of America in Washington. "We must continue to sustain a spirit of shalom/salaam," said Rabbi Ron Kronish, director of the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel, using the Hebrew and Arabic terms for peace based on justice. "We try to get success wherever the politicians fail," said Issa Jaber, a political science professor and former director of the Israeli Education Department's Democracy Unit. He is also a vice chairman of the coordinating council and secretary of the Association for Arab-Jewish Coexistence in the Judean Hills. "Common life, coexistence between Jews and Arabs in Israel is possible," added Jaber, a Muslim Arab. "We have a lot of obstacles in front of us, but it's impossible for us to think in such a way that there is separation (of Jews and Arabs). That will only increase hatred."

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