Jerusalem, Israel – The 13th Conference of Heads of Religions in Israel was held on December 12, 2024, at Jerusalem's Ramada Hotel. This annual gathering has become a cornerstone for interfaith dialogue and cooperation in Israel, fostering discussions on shared values and mutual respect among the country’s diverse religious communities.
The inaugural conference, held in 2007, was a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was inspired by the vision of Mr. Yaakov Salame, then head of the Department of Religions in Israel, following his visit to Korea and his encounter with the founders of UPF, Father and Mother Moon.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Values and Partnership at a Time of War,” a topic that resonated deeply given current global and regional challenges. The event saw the participation of prominent religious leaders and government representatives, including Israel’s two chief rabbis, the minister of the interior, the minister of religious services, the spiritual leader of the Druze community, the head of the Muslim Sharia Court, the Greek Catholic bishop, the emir of the Ahmadiyya community, and many other esteemed figures.
During the conference, each leader emphasized the sanctity of human life and the principle that faith holds true meaning only when it is lived in service to others. A collective call was made for religious leaders to actively advocate for peace and educate their communities to uphold these values.
A declaration of commitment to the preservation of life and the pursuit of peace was signed by all participants. The conference also featured a dynamic panel discussion on the role of religion in times of conflict, providing an opportunity for open dialogue and the exchange of perspectives among diverse faith traditions.
Mr. Eyad Sarkhan, the current head of the Religious Department, was presented with Mother of Peace, the memoir of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
The 13th Conference of Heads of Religions in Israel underscored the critical role that interfaith partnerships play in fostering unity and understanding, even in times of adversity. The event concluded with a shared resolve to continue these vital conversations and work collectively toward a more harmonious society.
