On Wednesday evening, religious and community leaders representing Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and the Druze faith convened at the Dan Family Aish World Center in Jerusalem’s Old City for a meaningful evening of dialogue. The event, titled Bridges of Light, was hosted by AISH in collaboration with the Ohr Torah Interfaith Center and the Interfaith Encounter Association. Among the distinguished guests were Ambassador Ezra Cohen and his wife Linda, representing Panama in Israel, along with diplomats, journalists, clergy, and community leaders—all united in discussions on fostering unity and coexistence.
Rabbi Daniel Rowe of Aish welcomed attendees on the center’s rooftop, overlooking the Temple Mount, and highlighted the dual role religion has played throughout history—as both a source of division and a foundation for shared values and peacebuilding.
“We live in a world still plagued by hatred, danger, and war. The tragic events of October 7th and the ongoing conflict in Gaza remind us of this reality,” Rabbi Rowe noted. “Too often, extremists manipulate religious texts to fuel division, while mainstream diplomatic efforts focus on secular solutions. But perhaps it is time for people of faith to step forward. We can rise above crisis to say, ‘You are not my enemy, even if we deeply disagree.’ We must foster voices that recognize the divine image in one another and acknowledge that we all serve and pray to the same God.”
The evening, emceed by Aish CCO and spokesperson Jamie Geller, featured two key discussions.
COEXISTENCE IN TIMES OF CRISIS
The first panel, moderated by Rabbi Aharon Lavi, Managing Director of the Ohr Torah Interfaith Center, explored pathways to healing and mutual understanding. Panelists included Sheikh Yunus Amashe from the Druze community of Isfiya; Hajj Mohamed Aabidou, President of the Center for Peace and Tolerance in Rabat; Faical Marjani, President of the Morocco Co-Existence Association; Christophe Rico, CEO of the Polis Institute; and Rabbi Rowe.
Rabbi Dr. Aharon Ariel Lavi emphasized the importance of active interfaith engagement:
“True coexistence is not just about living side by side; it’s about fostering understanding, compassion, and collaboration. As we stand together overlooking the Temple Mount at the start of Ramadan and a week before Purim, we reflect on the values that unite us. In rebuilding after a crisis, we must remember that our shared humanity is the strongest bridge we can build.”
BUILDING BRIDGES: ISRAELI AND PALESTINIAN PERSPECTIVES
Moderated by JNS CEO Alex Traiman, the second discussion featured Rabbi Rowe and Palestinian activist Samer Sinijlawi, who shared their personal journeys toward coexistence.
Sinijlawi recounted his experiences growing up in Jerusalem, where his perceptions of Jews shifted dramatically during the first intifada. “As a teenager, I threw stones at cars and was arrested,” he admitted. “My first real exposure to ‘the other side’ came in prison, where I learned Hebrew and interacted with my guards. That was when I realized—if we cannot recognize the humanity in one another, the conflict will never end.”
The discussion also touched on their recent visits with families of Israeli hostages murdered by Hamas. Sinijlawi, who met with Yarden Bibas after the bodies of Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel were returned, shared, “I apologized to Yarden for what Palestinians did to his family. This was murder, and I condemn it and Hamas.” Similarly, Rabbi Rowe recounted his visit to the Ziyadne family after the return of Youssef and Hamza’s bodies, emphasizing the shared pain of all Israelis.
FOSTERING DIALOGUE FOR PEACE
Rabbi Steven Burg, CEO of Aish, explained the motivation behind hosting the event:
“Last night was about dialogue—bringing people under one roof who don’t always get the chance to speak with one another. Keeping lines of communication open across Israeli society is essential to ensuring peaceful coexistence.”
Additional remarks were shared by Rabbi Yaakov Nagen, Director of Ohr Torah Stone’s Blickle Institute for Interfaith Dialogue and Beit Midrash for Judaism and Humanity, and Yehuda Stolov, the founder of the Interfaith Encounter Association.
