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In Search of Common Roots:
Children of Abraham
New York – October 29, 2004—Amidst this year's continued turmoil in
the Middle East and elsewhere, a project based on ancient faith and ritual
is forging alliances between Jewish and Muslim youth around the world.
Children of Abraham 2004 is an internet-based collaboration which has
involved over sixty participants (interns) between the ages of 15-21 from
twenty-three countries in the development of an online photo essay that
highlights the core similarities between Judaism and Islam. An advanced
interactive website has enabled these interns to discuss their work, and to
engage in frank, probing dialogue on sensitive issues of culture, religion
and politics.
Prostration in Prayer, Fahad Ali Kazmi, Lahore, Pakistan |
The project is a continuation of a similar concept begun last year. This
year, however, the project has moved to a higher level of participation that
was made possible by using Internet technology. Interns explore their local
Muslim and Jewish communities, photographing aspects of religious and
communal life in order to become familiar with them, and to compare their
findings with their counterparts in the other religion. "Muslims and Jews
have learned to see each other with new eyes that focus on inherent
similarities between these sister religions, rather than the contemporary
political differences that pit them against one another," says Ari
Alexander, American born co-director of this year's project. "Through their
research and interactions, our interns have uncovered striking commonalities
between Judaism and Islam that have altered their original perception of
each others' faiths, and resulted in a genuine appreciation of both."
Kissing the Siddur, Carl Pintzka, Oslo, Norway |
Many of the interns came from parts of the world where they have had no
contact with the other faith. Maria Ali-Adib, a Syrian co-director of the
project, was impressed by the openness displayed by interns during this
process of discovery. "We have been deeply moved by the atmosphere of
dialogue and candor, encouraged by the project's focus on atavistic elements
of the Jewish and Muslim faith, which has spurred our interns to form
friendships across religio-cultural borders. The majority of our interns had
never had personal interactions with members of the other 'side.' They no
longer see 'sides', but a movement and community to which they all belong,
Muslims and Jews together."
More than 1,500 photo images were collected and some 3,000 postings
submitted on the discussion boards. The project will have a fall photo
exhibit available to be accompanied with comments from the interns. Current
efforts include the formation of Muslim-Jewish dialogue groups by interns in
their schools and communities, and a compilation of the summer's online
discussions for use as educational material.
More information:
www.children-of-abraham.org
Hevruta: Traditional Study of Talmud, Chananja Daniel,
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
Qur'an Class for Girls, Sumayya Kassamali, Vancouver,
British Columbia |
Selected quotes from interns about Children of Abraham:
These past few weeks of communication on the Children of Abraham
message boards have completely blown me away. I've found myself learning far
more than I ever expected, strengthening my own faith and opening my eyes to
viewpoints I have never before been exposed to. I've found myself
researching parts of my religion I took for granted, and parts I never quite
understood until asked to explain them, and I've found myself repeatedly in
awe of how so many diverse individuals can come together and share so much.
I've found myself connecting on a personal level with individuals from
across the world, transcending religious and cultural barriers and inspiring
me to do even more. Even if the photo essay was not part of this project,
and it were to end tomorrow, it would already have been far more rewarding
than I had believed possible.
Sumayya Kassamali (Vancouver, B.C., Canada)
I've learned more about both Islam and my religion, Judaism. I've learned
about the attitudes of Muslims and Jews around the world, and I feel that
I've reexamined some of my strongly held notions and beliefs. Most
importantly, I feel that I've gained a new network of friends around the
world.
Andrew Horowitz (Connecticut, USA)
Some of the discussions I have been part of were eye-opening, because
when you explain your religion to someone who never had the chance to learn
about it, you some how undergo the process of rediscovering your own
religious identity; you start questioning the parts of your religion that
don't make sense to you- and I believe that this is the first step towards
understanding them.
Ahmad Alkhateeb (Hebron, West Bank)
I also wanted to use the opportunity, and thank you for trusting in me
and offering me this wonderful opportunity of being a part of COA, and meet
the other interns from other parts of the world. I gained valuable knowledge
of both religions, and learned how people can change many things through
communication, and also through pictures. Sometimes pictures talk louder
then words can, and i saw this through this project, there were some moving
pictures that best illustrated the situation/event that they portrayed.
Rinor Sadiku (Pristina, Kosovo)
We venture out into the unknown in this project… going into Islamic
communities about which I know nothing about is kind of hard. But I am
learning so much about the religion and about mine as well. Things were not
always this bad [between Muslims and Jews]. It seems in times of need when
both are targeted, we come together. These are the kinds of connections we
need to uncover and show people.
Alexandra Kaplan (Massachusetts, USA)
hagalil.com
08-11-2004 |
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