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Congress of Imams and Rabbis

 

The GHFP has sponsored two most significant events of inter-religious dialogue in the 21st Century - the first and second Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace in 2005 and 2006. The unprecedented first Congress of Imams and Rabbis For Peace was held in Brussels in 2005 and it was a great success. 

In 2006, the GHFP continued to provide financial sponsorship to the second rare face-to-face forum between Muslim and Jewish leaders. The event has been initiated and organised by Hommes De Parole, a Paris based peace foundation dedicated to renewing dialogue between men.

Both Congresses had brought together over hundred representatives from Islamic and Jewish communities in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the United States and is considered to be the world's only formal mechanism for debate between leaders of the two religions.

The thematic focus of the 2006 Congress gave priority to the promotion and implementation of education and knowledge - including the teaching of peace. For most of the Muslim and Jewish leaders participating in the Congress, it was the first time that they met people of the other religion. Therefore, the event has been a significant further step towards genuine Jewish-Muslim dialogue.

At conclusion during the 2006 Congress, the participants presented a closing statement, drafted by an eight member steering committee. It asserted that: “There is no inherent conflict between Islam and Judaism" and declared that: 'while modern politics has impacted negatively upon the relationship, our two religions share the most fundamental values of faith in the One Almighty whose name is Peace."

 
 
 
 
 
© 2007 Guerrand-Hermès Foundation for Peace