March 26th, 2024

Over 150 gathered at the Shalom-Hartman Institute in Jerusalem for the Abrahamic Reunion’s 18th Annual Multifaith Iftar Dinner for Peace in the Holy Land.

The Iftars this year are supported by Presenting Sponsors Abrahamic Reunion Germany, and Event Sponsors Dave Miller and the AR USA Board Members — and many supporters from around the world!

Prayers were also said recognizing Purim, Holy Week, and Druze Holiday  Zirayat al Nabi-Shuayb.

 

Speeches, Blessings, and Prayers were delivered with beautiful music and livestreamed, with around 30-40 online participants watching from around the world, featuring:

  • 00:10 — Dr. Khalid Abu Ras — AR Israel Board — Event MC
  • 02:54 — Donniel Hartman — Shalom Hartman Institute President
  • 08:57 — Mayor Moshe Leon — Jerusalem Mayor (Israeli Side)
  • 17:59 — Sheikh Ghassan Manasra — AR International Director
  • 25:36 — Shahabuddin David Less — AR US Chair, Co-Founder
  • 32:28 — Jewish & Sufi Incredible Musical Collaboration
  • 36:08 — Sr. Marie-Farouza Maximos — Tantur Ecumenical Institute
  • 44:02 — Siham Halabi — AR Israel Board Member
  • 48:25 — Bishop Dr. Rafiq Nahra — Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem
  • 54:17 — Rabbi Tamar Adel-Appelbaum — Hartman Institute Fellow
  • 1:03:24 — More incredible collaborative Jewish + Sufi Music
  • 1:09:01 — Dr. Khalid Abu Ras — Closing Remarks & Thank-You’s
  • 1:13:37 — Sheikh Helme Hamad — Call To Prayer, Qadiri Tariqa As-Salaam

Text Study Sessions on the traditions and practices of fasting in the different traditions were the first program. Sheikh Ghassan Manasra, with Rabbi Aron Leibowitz, and Lutheran Pastor Sally Azar from East Jerusalem discussed many meanings.

How do we not see fasting as “affliction” but to open the heart, was Rabbi Aron’s challenge. “Fasting is love, fasting is connection, fasting is hugging,” said Sheikh Ghassan, while Pastor Sally shared how the Lutheran tradition doesn’t partake of fasting, normally, as it is seen as something distracting the individual from their relationship with God.

First Rough Photos from the Text Study Sessions, Iftar, and Speeches: