Religions for Understanding

July 20, 2009 – The United Federation for Middle East Peace (“UFMEP”) invited 30 Imams and Rabbis from 13 European countries to hold an interfaith dialogue. The event, titled “Religions for Understanding,” aimed to promote mutual sharing of religious beliefs among the numerous faiths present at the dialogue.

We often see conflict arise as a result of religious, cultural, political and economic clashes across nations. It is, therefore, crucial for peace initiatives to begin with the promotion of religious tolerance. The unprecedented delegation of religious and political leaders from across the world served the intended purpose of reaching the global community in pursuit of this goal.

The event discussion was moderated by UFMEP President, Sally Kader, and included a welcome address from UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and Imam Shamsi Ali, Chairman of the Masjid Al-Hikmah in Astoria, Queens, NY. Guest speakers included Rabbi Marc Schneier (President and Chairman of Foundation for Ethnic Understanding), actor and UN Goodwill Ambassador Russell Simmons, and Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi (President of the Fiqh Council of North America). The event was also attended by ambassadors from over 40 countries