Imams and Rabbis initiate rapprochement between Judaism and Islam

Fourth World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace with spiritual leaders of the great traditions: For a World Charter of Ethics on Religions

The World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace brings together Imams and Rabbis who formally seek to initiate rapprochement between Judaism and Islam. Three congresses have been held, in Brussels, January 2005, then in Seville, March 2006, and in Paris, UNESCO, in December 2008. These gatherings were attended by religious leaders, from over 43 countries, who are actively committed to the path of dialogue between their communities.

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 The Third Congress took decisions on the promotion of a peace culture in Israel and Palestine and on the inclusion of women and young people in future meetings.

 The Fourth World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace will implement these commitments. This congress will bring together representatives of the great spiritual traditions, and leave ample space for women and young people. 

Organised by Hommes de Parole Foundation in partnership with the International Association of Human Values, the Fourth World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace will be held in Bangalore (India), during spring 2012, at the invitation of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a leader of non-violence in India.

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Humanist values from the Jewish and Muslim religions, but also from the Christian, Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions will be studied by the participants in an effort to emphasise the unity of the actions of the religious leaders for peace. Through a World Charter of Ethics for Religions, these discussions will prepare proposals on a series of common values that can be used in conflict resolution processes.
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UNESCO. Quote of the year!

UNESCO statement on Palestinian children’s magazine, Zayzafouna

“UNESCO strongly deplores and condemns the reproduction of such inflammatory statements in a magazine associated with UNESCO’s name and mission and will not provide any further support to the publication in question.”

DECEMBER 23, 2011 UNESCOPRESS -  UNESCO’s attention has been drawn to the February 2011 issue of the Palestinian children’s magazine Zayzafouna. This magazine is published by an NGO of the same name under the patronage of the Palestinian National Commission for UNESCO, which is the national body set up by the Palestinian Authority to facilitate its work with the Organization. The February issue features a story written by a 10-year-old girl in which Hitler is quoted by her as stating that he “killed [the Jews] so you would all know that they are a nation who wreak havoc on Earth”. While UNESCO upholds freedom of expression as an integral part of its mandate, the inclusion in this publication of a statement that may be interpreted as an apology of the holocaust is contrary to UNESCO’s constitutional mandate and values. It is totally unacceptable.

UNESCO supported the publication of three issues of the Zayzafouna Magazine six months after the February 2011 issue. The support was provided for these issues following agreement with the editors that they would focus on building greater appreciation amongst Palestinians for their heritage and culture. They were to open the way for positive dialogue aimed at overcoming the consequences of the Middle East conflict, and to fight against stereotypes that may be conducive to violence. It was UNESCO’s intention to foster a positive view of Palestinian heritage based on the values of tolerance and UNESCO’s mandate of building peace in the minds of men and women. This vision guides all of UNESCO’s activities, and we urge all partners to work in this direction.

UNESCO is shocked and dismayed by the content of the February issue, and has requested more detailed information and clarification from the editors of the magazine and the Palestinian Authority.

UNESCO strongly deplores and condemns the reproduction of such inflammatory statements in a magazine associated with UNESCO’s name and mission and will not provide any further support to the publication in question.

The Organization, which is deeply committed to the development and promotion of education about the Holocaust, disassociates itself from any statement that is counter to its founding principles and goal of building tolerance in the full respect for human rights and human dignity.

 

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