In Action!
Tolerance in Nigeria
December, 2009
I have been struggling to let people believe in tolerance especially with the incessant cases of the Muslim-Christian trouble in Nigeria. It is now my desire to ask you to help me establish a center here, because it is highly needed here.
Submitted by: The Revd Henry, Aba, Abia Nigeria
Multi- Media Event on the Middle East
December, 2009
YesMEP (Yes, We Can:Middle East Peace) -- dedicated to seeking asustainable peace in that region -- drew an audience of 200+ to a show that included testimony and storytelling from Israelis and Palestinians, music of Arab and Jewish cultures, dramatic readings, an Israeli/Palestinian rock band and prayers by Muslim, Jewish and Christian clergy. The event was held at the historic Sixth and I Synagogue in the heart of the nation\'s capital. Future YesMEP events will include sharing and policy discussions involving a wide range of participants. See the group's website at www.yesmep.org.
Submitted by: Alexander Patico, Washington, D.C.
Community College Event
November, 2009
On Wednesday, November 11th, over 80 Gateway Community College students, faculty, staff, and guests gathered to watch a CRT power point and to discuss the topic of "Israel/Palestine: Impacts of Conflict on Mental Health, Child Health and Prospects for Peace". I met with the students afterwards and I was amazed at how much they were able to recall from the presentation. They spoke in detail about empathy and healing; at the end, the whole class concluded that the Arab Palestinians should assimilate into Israel and benefit from being part of the new nation. They compared the Palestinians' situation to the native American Indians after the birth of America. They discussed how the native Americans fought for their homeland and were defeated by the settlers, then put on reservations but now are part of our country and making "big bucks" in casinos. They felt the Palestinians might gain status over time in Israel like the American Indians. They are now writing the first drafts of essays on the topic.
Submitted by: Susan Chenard, New Haven, CT
Letter to the Editor
July, 2009
On July 16th, the New York Times Magazine published a letter from Jelilah Judith Allen in Seattle. In response to an article on urban farmer Will Allen, Jelilah urged the media to print more stories on "people all over the world doing groundbreaking work dealing with seemingly intractable problems - like peace in the Middle East." She goes on to note that people are hungry to hear stories like this, and that being inspired by others will help them to "take heart and start to work creatively in their own communities." What a great example of the spirit of social activism!
Submitted by: Andy Blanch, Sarasota, FL
Yale Hosts Interfaith Seder
April, 2009
On April 15, 2009 Rabbi Jim Ponet (the Jewish Chaplain of Yale's Slifka Center) and Andy Blanch (a visiting scholar at Yale) worked to organize an interfaith seder that brought together Muslim, Christian, Jewish, atheist, and agnostic members of the Yale community for an evening of discussion, food and laughter. The event was a wonderful success, bringing together people with a shared interest in promoting interfaith dialogue and providing a space for religious celebration and open discussion. The theme of the seder was "Freedom, Love and Change" and there was a focus on the Middle Eastern region. One of the questions posed during the seder was, "What are the most important things to teach our children?" The questions promoted a stimulating discussion and the entire evening was devoted to discussions of peace and love and of how the various Abrahamic faiths approach these topics. Because of the success of this event, Yale hopes to make the interfaith seder an annual event.
Submitted by: Molly Moran, New Haven, CT
A Senior Thesis
April, 2009
Hello Everyone! I wanted to write in about the senior thesis that I have just completed. For my thesis, I addressed the question: How affective are Abrahamic faith-based NGOs in their work towards peace and development. I talked about the work that the Center for Religious Tolerance was doing with the "Abrahamic Reunion" project. I took on this issue because I believe that faith is the only way that we can work with the community in order to resolve conflicts. If we work with people's beliefs, we can truly understand where a community gets their morals and values, and with that we are able to work with them instead of commanding them to change. These types of organizations are crucial to the peacemaking process, and I hope that my thesis will help my college community understand that, as well as any other people that read my work. Thank You!
Submitted by: Nicole Chininis, Providence, RI
Peace Pals
March, 2009
In Sarasota FL, the Womens Interfaith Network (WIN) has collected almost 100 stuffed animals in an interfaith peace project. Each animal sports a babys undershirt with the PeacePal logo created by Amani Makarita. We wanted to do something that would let the children of the world know that our hearts and thoughts are with them and we wanted them to have something comforting to hold onto.
Each animal has a tag written in 3 languages - Arabic, English and Hebrew which reads, Think of love and peace each time you hold this. We want that for you and for all children everywhere
The project was created and coordinated by co-chairs Arlene Pearlman, Jacci Tutt and Sarah Zaouzal.
Submitted by: Arlene Pearlman, Sarasota, FL
Teaching Tolerance
February, 2009
In February, Don Beazler's History Club invited me to lead a discussion on religious tolerance. Students investigated the meaning of and obstacles to tolerance in themselves, their community and the world. The role of moral ambiguity, self knowledge and understanding multiple perspectives were debated and throughly examined. I had so much fun talking to these students, they were bright, enthusiastic, and fully engaged in the discussion. These types of discussions are always inspiring and wonderful learning experiences for everyone.
Submitted by: Anna Lewis, Ph.D., Sarasota, FL
Interfaith Community Service
December, 2008
The Women's Interfaith Network (WIN) of Sarasota-Bradenton collected 1,298 disposable diapers for Baby Basics, an organization serving young mothers in need. According to Elizabeth Wildhack from Baby Basics, that\'s enough for 17 families for 2 months. Additional items collected included flushable wipes, formula, food, and handmade boy and girl infant blankets. Helping those in need is a basic premise of all religions and is especially important during hard economic times. Thanks to all the WIN women who helped!
Submitted by: Jacci Tutt, Sarasota, FL
We'd like to hear how you or others in your community have been a force for peace.
Tell us your story.
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