Building a Bridge over Shifting Sands: Muslims and Jews Seeking Peace in Jerusalem

Contrary to popular belief, many Jewish and Muslim religious leaders in Jerusalem work together to prepare the ground for peace between their peoples. How can religion be part of the solution rather than part of the problem? How can peace-minded religious leaders build bridges of reconciliation when some of their colleagues encourage animosity? How can we as Americans support their work? Come learn from two pioneering religious leaders about harnessing the positive power of religion for making peace between peoples. Rabbi Ron Kronish, founding director of the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel, is a noted educator, author, lecturer with rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and a doctorate in education from Harvard University. A resident of Jerusalem, he has represented ICCI at the Vatican and at many international conferences, and he is frequently consulted by media representatives for background information and briefings on interreligious relations in Israel. Kadi Iyad Zahalka, head of the Shar\u27ia Court in Jerusalem, is an accomplished judge, lecturer, author and activist. He has filled several important positions in the Shar\u27ia court system, including that of director. Kadi Zahalka earned his L.L.B. from Tel Aviv University and his M.A. (summa cum laude) from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, where he is now completing his Ph.D. thesis on the Muslim minority jurisprudence doctrine (Fiqh al Aqalliyyat). Sponsored by the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning in collaboration with Mount Zion Temple Other collaborators: Adath Jeshurun Congregation, Beth Jacob Congregation, Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Minnesota, Conflict Studies Program at Hamline University, Dispute Resolution Institute at Hamline University School of Law, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Bruce Goodman, Islamic Center of Minnesota, Jewish Community Center of Greater St. Paul, Rabbi Michael Latz of Shir Tikvah Congregation, Macalester Plymouth United Church Peacemakers, Minnesota Rabbinical Association, Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center at the University of St. Thomas, Muslim Student Association at Hamline University, Pilgrims for Just Peace of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Reconciliation Studies Program at Bethel University, SPIN (Saint Paul Interfaith Network), St. Clement\u27s Episcopal Church, Temple Israel (Minneapolis), Wesley Center for Spirituality, Service, and Social Justice at Hamline University, and United Theological Seminar