Left to right: David Cohan, Nasir Butrous, Fr John Dupuche, Di Hirsh, Rev Barbara Allen, Albert Isaacs, Kemal Brkic, Rufiath Yousuff, Rev Ian Smith, Sheikh Riad Galil
Sitting: Rabbi Adam Stein and Hyder Gulam
Earlier this year, four Jews, four Christians and four Muslims journeyed to Jerusalem to study difficult texts in each of the traditions. The group aimed to experience worship through each other’s eyes and, more importantly, to be physical bodies of peace. A Catholic priest, a rabbi and a sheikh were our leaders and the sparks behind this venture, which was two-years in the making.
All the participants have been involved in interfaith work, so we went with a broad platform of understanding, as well as with open hearts and a willingness to listen to the others’ narratives. We did not travel as tourists but as pilgrims – pilgrims on a journey to the heart and soul of the ‘other’.
Of course we visited well-known sites in a city that has special significance to all Abrahamic faiths – Jerusalem, the City of Peace. From the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, to the Temple Mount and the Wailing Wall, each of us tried to view these places, and the stories, history and faith behind them wearing different ‘skin’, different faith-eyes.
We also visited other places together, including Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Centre and Museum), and the Hadassah Medical Centre and Hospital.
What does it mean when we do not love one another? (persecution). What do we have in common? (illness/death; at Hadassah Jews and Arabs work together as staff; Jews and Arabs share the same wards, comfort one another, listen to one another within the common experiences of grief or fear).
We roomed with someone of another faith. I must admit, hearing my Muslim sister get up at 3.30am in order to get ready to go to the Old City for morning prayer – I felt a little lazy, as I rolled over to go back to sleep. Even a little earlier than John Wesley’s prayer time!
Among the many highlights was attending a Friday night Shabbat service, and afterwards having a meal with a family. The passionate singing was very moving and the intensity of the prayers washed over my heart.
Each day would conclude with a long period of debriefing about the day, and then briefing for the following day.
There were many laughs, some tears and a common longing for peace, not only in Jerusalem but in the wider world. We may not have brought world peace, but the groups we spoke with and listened to were amazed that representatives of the three Abrahamic faiths were traveling together. Why not? We are family; Christians are the middle child; our Jewish brothers and sisters the elder, the Muslims the younger.
In every family there are disagreements, hopefully tempered with and by the ingredient of love. “Love one another”.
Barbara Allen
Chaplain
Uniting AgeWell
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