Sara Reef's blog

The tragic shooting that took place in Tucson, Arizona earlier this month was another reminder why we need to engage in intercultural dialogue. Following this tragedy, several theories have been put forth to explain why Jared Loughner would take up arms. A few of these ideas will be analyzed to show why we must continue to promote intercultural relations.

The vast majority of individuals in both Muslim-majority and Western countries surveyed in a recent poll believe greater interaction between them would be a benefit rather than a threat. In fact, an average of 59 per cent of people across 48 countries says it’s advantageous.

As the future of Israeli Palestinian peace talks remains uncertain, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is considering asking the United Nations to recognize an independent State of Palestine if Palestinians forgo current peace talks. Based upon past unilateral actions, Abbas may want to reconsider.

Last week, I had the pleasure of going to the unveiling of a new exhibit entitled Three Faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam at the New York Public Library. This exhibit was cosponsored by Stavros Niarchos Foundation and The Coexist Foundation.

For the past three years, Intersections has partnered with Hartford Seminary on the International Peacemakers Program (IPP). This program brings students from conflicted areas around the world to study interfaith dialogue, conflict resolution and comparative theological studies at Hartford Seminary. This year, there are three IPP students from Indonesia, Nigeria and Thailand.

Over the past week, we witnessed the last American combat troops withdraw from Iraq. If we do not now increase our aid to the 2.2 million displaced Iraqi refugees they may soon have a detrimental effect on our future security.

On 21 August, I had the pleasure of appearing on the Doug Noll show, an internet radio talk show. Mr. Noll asked me all sorts of questions in regards to Intersections work, the controversy surrounding Park51, and the Middle East conflict. You can listen to the show here.

Opponents of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have failed to offer any alternative proposals. An alternative proposal would consist of a viable plan that would allow Israel to maintain its Jewish and democratic character without creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel. As far as I am aware, no solutions encompassing these parameters have been suggested. Now is the time for one-state supporters to step up and offer a new solution or for them to support current peace negotiations.

As a Jew living in the Diaspora, I am often conflicted on whether I have the “right” to speak on Israel’s behalf. Until recently, I never thought it was my place to be an Israeli spokeswoman.

Last month Intersections co-hosted more than two dozen religious leaders at the Kazakhstani Embassy in Washington, DC for the second annual Interfaith Dinner and Dialogue for U.S. Religious Leaders. Those present represented a wide range  of traditions, including Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Zoroastrians and indigenous American peoples, in addition to the three Abrahamic faiths—Christianity, Judaism and Islam.