Discussion series to focus on situation in Israel and Palestine

Wicked Local

The Islamic Council of New England [ICNE] and the Boston Workers Circle: Center for Jewish Culture & Social Justice are announcing an important discussion series entitled: "A Better Future for Israelis and Palestinians - Affirming the Sacredness of All Human Life."   

This four-part series starts this fall and will provide opportunities to consider a range of perspectives from distinguished speakers, both religious and secular, that illuminate the current situation in Israel and Palestine. Our speakers will engage with one another on the importance of listening, understanding the meaning of the Holy Lands to each religious faith, and sharing and acknowledging how our respective narratives impact our thinking about the present state of affairs.  Through our differences, we hope to open our hearts and minds to one another, and, grounded in our values and faith traditions, become part of the solution as advocates for peace and justice in the region.  

A picture taken on Oct. 2, 2016, shows a general view of an Israeli building site of new housing units in the Jewish settlement of Shilo in the West Bank.

There are several speakers for each session. 

On Oct. 6, Can We Talk/Listen? Reflections from a Rabbi & Imam, (speakers: Rabbi Sharon Brous, Dr. Mohamed Lazzouni, and Rabbi Mike Rothbaum). 

On Oct. 13, Can We Share? Sanctity of the Holy Land; A Jewish, Christian and Muslim Perspective, (speakers: Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Rabbi Barbara Penzer, and Prof. Dr. Mustafa Abu Sway). 

On Oct. 27,  Can We Acknowledge? Reflecting on Our Histories and Narrative, (speakers: Rabbi Aryeh Cohen, Nizar Farsakh, Gili Getz, Aziza Hasan, and Ayman Nijim). 

On Nov. 10, Can We Help? Our Role in Finding Solutions, (speakers: Nidal Al-Azraq and Rabbi Jill Jacobs).

We thank our many esteemed speakers, moderators, and co-sponsors for their support in this effort. We invite you to join us as we come together to hear each, acknowledge our common humanity and work with compassion to create that better future for Israelis and Palestinians, and support peace in this sacred part of the world. 

All sessions are on zoom starting at 7:30-9 p.m. For more details, speaker biographies, and to register for this free webinar, log onto Boston Workers Circle - https://circleboston.org/better-future. 

For questions - contact: discussions@islamiccouncilne.org.