Jerusalem Hug 2009

The next Jerusalem Hug is happening on 21st June, 2009 when people of all faiths form a human circle of love around Jerusalem. For those who are not in Jerusalem for the event there will be virtual hugs in other cities around the world. You can go to Lovers of Jerusalem for more details.

more about “Jerusalem Hug 2009“, posted with vodpod

Moses Ibn Maimun (Maimonides) and Ibn Rushd (Averroes)

As I am soon going to Spain for a research month I couldn’t resist posting this film. This is an excerpt from the film ‘Cities of Light’ which is about the history of Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain) and the incredible flourishing of philosophy, theology, medicine, translation, and much more, among the Jewish and Muslim scholars and mystics.

more about “Moses Ibn Maimun (Maimonides) and Ibn…“, posted with vodpod

All of Us Are Chosen

“They say that other country over there, dim blue in the twilight, farther than the orange stars exploding over our roofs, is called peace, but who can find the way? This time we cannot cross until we carry each other. All of us refugees, all of us prophets. No more taking turns on history’s wheel, trying to collect old debts no one can pay. The sea will not open that way. This time that country is what we promise each other, our rage pressed cheek to cheek until tears flood the space between, until there are no enemies left, because this time no one will be left to drown and all of us must be chosen. This time it’s all of us or none.”

Text by Aurora Levins Morales. A contemporary take on the Exodus that encompasses people of all tribes.

I found this on a site that sells posters. You can reach it by clicking on the image.

Podcast 8 “Gaza and Dialogue”. « Radio Salaam Shalom’s Blog

The following is on Radio Salaam Shalom who have just completed a podcast on Gaza and Dialogue done by the Jews and Muslims of Bristol

Podcast 8 “Gaza and Dialogue”

By radiosalaamshalom

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“At this time, many of us are mindful of the suffering caused by the region’s past and present violence. That’s why the latest in our unique series of Muslim-Jewish podcasts looks at how people around the world are still inspired by a vision of a peaceful, harmonious life for everyone in the Middle East.

Podcast 8 “Gaza and Dialogue” features contributions from many of our own team of Bristol-based Muslim and Jewish volunteers. It also hears from two influential women. Robyn Sclafani, Director of Brussels-based CEJI (A Jewish Contribution to an inclusive Europe) and Palestinian Ahlam Akram, National Co-ordinating Committee Member for the Ministry for Peace (a small voluntary sector membership organisation which meets fortnightly in the House of Commons). The programme is hosted by Peter Brill.”

The Balance of Peace and Justice

This is an interesting article by Dr. Robert Crane on the balance of peace and justice for Gaza. He relates the two to transcendence and immanence and asks which is needed first. His approach is ontological but with very practical consequences. He concludes that:

“In the metaphysics of transcendence, to know God is to know and practice justice.  In the metaphysics of immanence, to know God is to know peace.  But justice is creative, and peace is not.  Peace is for the afterlife.  Justice is for the here and now.”

John Pilger: Palestine is Still the Issue

A film made by John Pilger which covers the situation leading to the present crisis. He speaks with Palestinians and Israelis, including the historian, Ilan Pappe.

more about “John Pilger: Palestine is Still the I…“, posted with vodpod

Palestine, Israel, and the Dialogue of Love

I believe that the greatest example of how best to behave in the face of
such conflict situations as that happening in Palestine-Israel today are
the Palestinian and Israeli people themselves. Many might say, What! But
they are always fighting each other! This is the impression gained from
most main stream media. However, there are several groups in Israel,
Palestine, and around the world who are not only talking to each other
but who are actively attempting to help each other.

The following video is one example. An Israeli woman and a Palestinian
man, the immense pain they feel is palpable, but through that pain comes
a tremendous love and courage. It is only 6 minutes long and you can see
it here: http://tinyurl. com/a3vvod

This video link was sent to me by a dear friend, a young Israeli with
whom I have had many long conversations and with whom I have
participated in dhikr together with other Muslims, Jews, and Sikhs. On
the Sufi path I have learnt that love can be painful and that courage is
needed to follow the path. Often that courage fails me, it is a constant
struggle, but the two people speaking in this short video are a
wonderful example of the power of love and courage, Alhamdulillah!

When I pray, May there be peace, Inshallah! Then I also acknowledge that
there is peace already, dwelling in Israel and Palestine, among some of
the worst battlefields of the world. May it strengthen and grow and may such initiatives be reported more often in the media.

Muslims and Jews Speaking Together

Radio Salaam Shalom is a unique internet radio station that is run by Jewish and Muslim volunteers in Bristol. To listen to their podcasts just click here

They have been reported on by BBC, Channel 4, and Al-Jazeera English. You’ll find many fascinating discussions and interviews on the station.

Karen Armstrong: Charter of Compassion

Dear Friends, if you scroll down to the videos available in the sidebar you will see I have added a new video.

This is Karen Armstrongs speech when she received a TED award. It is very moving and pertinent to the global situation today. Religion can and should be a force for change today. Using the Golden Rule of every faith: Do not do unto others what you would not have them do to you. Karen Armstrong is working on creating a Charter of Compassion for the whole world.

Compassionate Listening

I have just added a new blog to my blogroll. It is Listening to the Tune in Dialogue by my friend Lisa Saffron. Lisa has been running dialogue sessions using the skills of compassionate listening for some time now and having attended a couple of her Jewish-Muslim sessions I can testify to how powerful these sessions can be. Compassionate communication is as much about listening to oneself as it is about listening to others and about being heard without judgement.

Lisa has also written a novel called Checkpoint which is about the meeting of a Palestinian and an Israeli family in tragic circumstances and how this experience changes lives.

Go across to Lisa’s blog and take a look.