On November 2, 2014, the Dialogue Institute (DI) partnered with the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom to host over 100 Muslim and Jewish women leaders for a first-ever leadership conference. The event was held at Temple University as part of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding’s Weekend of Twinning.
This trailblazing conference aimed to bring together female leaders from Muslim and Jewish faith traditions and equip them with the skills necessary to advance interfaith communication and engagement among their own communities.
“Now, more than ever, there is a need to build bridges and shatter negative stereotypes between Muslims and Jews,” said Sheryl Olitzky, President of Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom.
Keynote speakers included DI Board Member, Ellen Frankel, and DI Director of Global Education, Racelle Weiman, as well as Daisy Khan, Blu Greenberg, and Rabia Chaudy, among others. World-renowned Jordanian musician and peace activist Farah Siraj also performed at the event.
The Dialogue Institute provides avenues through which leaders can develop and enhance the skills of interreligious and intercultural dialogue in an effort to build long-term relationships that bridge differences. This objective aligns well with the mission of Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom: to end anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish sentiments by building meaningful relationships between both faith groups. This event served as the launching point for continued collaboration between the DI and Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom.
“Our mandate is to facilitate these types of grassroots initiatives and celebrate their focus to create and sustain lifelong relationships and partnerships,” said Dr. Racelle Weiman.
Click here to see additional pictures from the event.
