A delegation of nine imams from across the United States recently visited Israel on an interfaith mission organized by the nonprofit Sharaka (meaning “partnership” in Arabic) along with the Blickle Institute for Interfaith Dialogue. The imams were led by Dr. Talib Shareef, the head imam of Masjid Muhammad in Washington, D.C. The delegation follows previous interfaith missions organized by Sharaka and others, such as an Arab delegation to Israel earlier this year and a delegation of American Muslims to Israel and Bahrain late last year.
The imams met with Israeli rabbis and learned about Judaism and Israel, as well as participating in a workshop on interfaith dialogue. Members of the delegation engaged in conversations of peace, reconciliation, and understanding between the Abrahamic faiths. A declaration of friendship was signed between the imams, Sharaka, and the Blickle Institute.
Israeli media has been interested and surprised by the trip, with outlets such as i24 News and United with Israel covering the visit.
While in Israel, the delegation visited the country’s historic and religious sites and learned about Israeli culture, society, and politics. The delegation also discussed the geopolitics of the region, emphasizing the positive impact of the Abraham Accords in furthering peace in the Middle East. During the trip, participants visited two Arab villages in Israel and met with Arab-Israelis, including a mayor, an imam, a geopolitics expert, and tech educators. The delegation also met with three Palestinian peace activists.
The author interviewed five members of the delegation. When asked about their favorite part of the trip, two mentioned Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust museum. “Though brief, [our visit to Yad Vashem] was very touching. I think the planners of the exhibits did an excellent job in reaching the human spirit,” said Imam Rashad Abdul-Rahman of Atlanta, Georgia. Imam Abdul Lateef SHuayb Haneef of Dallas, Texas, stated that his favorite part of the trip was “praying at the [Western] Wall and the gathering of the three religions [in Jerusalem] to respect Allah and His House” and asserted that “no violence should be tolerated” in Jerusalem’s holy sites.
When asked what they would want African Americans and American Muslims to learn from their experience on this trip, tolerance and understanding was the common theme. Imam Benjamin Abdul-Haqq of Washington, D.C., emphasized the need “to not prejudge anything about Israel, particularly from the media.” Imam Abdul Rahman Shareef of North Carolina stressed that people should “become aware of the diverse ethnic groups … in Israel and hear opinions from all sides.” Imam Rahman of Atlanta emphasized the need:
to see the Jewish people as part of the broad struggle to secure human dignity. Far too often, we see the world and its troubles from the perspective of our specific group. If we could identify with our common humanity first, and from there observe the world and its challenges, we would be better situated to make our contribution [to world peace].
Imam Joel Saahir, who lives both in North Carolina and Chicago, stressed that Muslims and Jews “have common ground. We can learn from each other in a lot of ways. We need to exchange our stories and experiences more freely to open our minds.”
Those interviewed were supportive of the existence of Israel. Imam Rahman of Atlanta stated that “the Koran and Prophetic Tradition doesn’t address ‘states’ in the modern sense of the term. Our Holy Book addresses the covenant G-d established with Abraham, Jacob, and the Children of Israel and makes clear that if the people fulfill their obligations to Him, He will fulfill His promise to them.”
“Speaking as a Muslim but not for Muslims … we need to accept the reality that Israel is not going anywhere,” said Imam Benjamin Abdul-Haqq from Washington, D.C.
Saahir added:
[T]he existence of the State of Israel is in line with the overall goal of the world that comes under what G-d has ordained for all those of faith. G-d has given us the task to establish a world where we live together and respect each other.… We all have to exist in the harmony of humanity.
The delegation also had positive sentiments toward the Abraham Accords. While acknowledging that he has to learn more about the accords, Imam Rahman of Atlanta stated that “the accords represent a momentous step towards a brighter human future.” The Abraham Accords, according to Saahir, “are an excellent opportunity for improved collaboration, peace, and stability. The accords are also important for economic and social development, which will enable more cooperation in areas of mutual concern.”
The members were hopeful for the future of interfaith dialogue. Rahman stated that members of all faiths “have to be willing to listen, critique, and compromise. I believe if we remain in touch with … our traditions and trust G-d, we will be successful.” Haneef stressed that while he has been open to different perspectives on the Middle Eastern conflict, “those who attend mosques under Arab leadership tend to have a negative opinion.” Haneef further emphasized the importance of members of all faiths to “properly investigate all matters where the media tries to steer your sentiments in one way or another.” Abdul-Haqq stressed the importance of “intrafaith” dialogue within the Abrahamic faiths to correct misinformation about the others, and to then focus on interfaith dialogue. “To my fellow Muslims, if Islam is about peace, then prove it. To my Christian family, if Christianity is about love, then prove it. To my fellow Jewish family, if Judaism is about justice, then prove it,” said Abdul-Haqq.
Following their trip, the delegates hope to promote interfaith dialogue and reconciliation in the United States. “The imams hope their visit will impact perspectives in the region, especially the those of Israelis and Palestinians,” said Dan Feferman, executive director of Sharaka. “The imams that participated are already seeing interest from other imams in the U.S. in visiting Israel and learning more.”