Support a Participant

Throughout2024,thewarposedchallenges, but also an urgency and determination to keepbuildingbridgesbetweencommunities in the Holy Land and abroad. Every participant, coordinator, and staff member was affected, directly or indirectly, by the conflict and its far-reaching consequences.

Yet, despite these difficulties, the need for spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds could come together to foster understanding and friendship became more vital than ever.

Our encounters served as sanctuaries of connection and hope, allowing participants to engage in meaningful dialogue despite the heightened tensions in their surroundings.

The logistical realities of the situation meant that our Israeli-Palestinian groups were not always able to continue meeting regularly, underscoring the significant obstacles faced in maintaining cross-community engagement during such times. However, amid these challenges, we witnessed a sharp rise in the number of individuals expressing interest in joininginterfaithgroupsacrosstheHolyLand.

This surge in enthusiasm highlighted the enduring appeal of our mission and inspired ustoplanandinitiatenewgroupstomeetthis growing demand.

Aswereflecton2024,weareremindedofthe resilienceofourcommunityandtheenduring power of dialogue.

In2024,theInterfaithEncounterAssociationhad 34activegroups,including8newones,whichheld a total of 374 encounters. Our veteran groups remainedsteadfastintheirwork.

The Jerusalem and surroundings group continued to meet regularly, exploring various interfaith topics and concluding each session with Oud playing. The New Testament Study group in Jerusalem celebrated completing their study of the Epistle to the Galatians (which lasted 2.5 years of committed learning!) and embarked on the Acts of the Apostles. In Jaffa, the group focused on the theme of hope, exploring ways to advance interfaith relations even as the city reeled from a devastating terror attack. Meanwhile, the Tower of David Forum of High-level Religious Leaders delved deeper into the complex topics such as the relationship between religion and state.

Newly established groups in Nazareth, Haifa, South Jerusalem, and Wadi Ara began their journeys, taking important steps toward building trust and understanding among participants. These groups have made impressive progress as they get to know one another.

Women’s groups continued to provide vital support and solidarity during trying times. The Haifa Women’s group, active for 17 years, has developed into a close-knit community of friends who consistently support each other. In the Yeruham- Rahme group, participants persevered in meeting despite local challenges, while the Women of the North Jordan Valley resumed their gatherings after a hiatus caused by the war. The Women of Arad-Tel Arad group maintained their commitment to local community projects, providing mutual support that took into account the complex reality of Bedouin communities in the region. Midwives for Peace met several times this year, including in uni-national settings, to share their emotions and find ways to move forward together.

Young adults played a key role in fostering interfaith encounter. The Bar Ilan University course on Jewish-Arab Interreligious Dialogue hosted sessions exploring different aspects of interfaith engagement, while alumni from previous years continued to meet regularly on campus. Nursing students examined topics related to cultural competence, while the Young Adults Jerusalem group developed into a tightly bonded community, even taking a trip together to Haifa.

Links:

• IEA website
• Activity & annual reports
• Get invovled