Seventh Muslim-Jewish Conference Takes Place in Berlin

The annual interfaith conference gathered Muslim and Jewish communities from all around the world

August 18th, 2016

Giorgio Malvermi, Berlin Global

This conference, under patronage of the German Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, promoted interfaith dialogue through table discussions and specialised committees. Amidst religious tensions and the looming threat of terrorist attacks, MJC gathered leaders and prominent thinkers from the Muslim and Jewish communities across the globe, tackling issues such as conflict transformation, social marginalisation and identity recognition.

The Muslim Jewish Conference (MJC), a nonprofit organisation based in Austria, focuses on the dialogue between people of different faiths and beliefs, bringing together leaders of religious communities. It seeks to expand its visibility and extend its network of dialogue and intercultural communication in order to move closer to its goal of becoming a global think-tank for Muslim-Jewish interests.

The Annual MJ Conference is the most important event held by the organisation. This year it gained special importance in light of the terrorist attacks threatening Europe and its stability. Muslims and Jews came from 33 different countries to provide the next generation with a learning experience for life and a positive outlook for establishing intercultural relations between the two communities.

Approximately 100 participants – students, politicians, religious and opinion leaders - worked in a range of committees, covering topics including arts and culture, historical narratives and identity, and conflict resolution. The conference started on August 7th and lasted one week, becoming a unique opportunity for Muslims and Jews alike to discover each other’s identity by listening to one another, sharing narratives, and engaging in meaningful discussions.

The conference had also numerous events on its schedule, such as joint Jum’ah - Friday of the Muslim week - and Shabbat services and a visit to Sachsenhasuen concentration camp near Berlin, where interfaith prayers were held. Moreover, it received the patronage of the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Frank-Walter Steinemeier, who reiterated the importance of events such as the MJC to fight the increasing episodes of Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and racism affecting Europe.

References:

• http://www.mjconference.org/
• http://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Muslims-and-Jews-from-around-the-world-gather-in-Berlin-for-seventh-annual-interfaith-confab-464037

See more at: http://www.berlinglobal.org/index.php?seventh-muslim-jewish-conference-takes-place-in-berlin