Faith Leaders Unite to Promote Understanding in Conflict-Torn Communities

In the wake of escalating violence in Gaza, two faith leaders in Greater Manchester are working to bridge divides between their communities. Rabbi Dovid Lewis and Imam Dr Nasser Kurdy have embarked on a mission to promote understanding and dialogue among school children, emphasizing that despite differences, shared humanity can prevail.

The conflict in Gaza erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led groups launched a surprise attack on Israel. This event has intensified divisions within Greater Manchester’s Muslim and Jewish communities, but Lewis and Kurdy are determined to counteract this trend. They have been sharing their message of unity and respect for the past 18 months, visiting schools and engaging with young people.

During a recent assembly at Saddleworth School in Oldham, an insightful question posed by a Year 7 student struck a chord: “If you’re so similar, if you share the same principles, then why are you arguing?” Dovid responded thoughtfully, explaining that conflict often arises between those closest to us rather than strangers.

“You don’t fight with somebody you don’t know,” he stated. “It’s the people that are closest to you that have the ability to hurt you. But too often we focus on that one thing that’s different, instead of looking at so much that’s the same.” This perspective, he argues, is crucial in a world where humanity often emphasizes division over unity.

Kurdy, a surgeon by profession, echoed these sentiments, noting that “quarrels, conflicts and divisions are all about I, I, I. Peace, embracing the other is about we, we, we.” This philosophy has underpinned their friendship, which has flourished for approximately 16 years since their places of worship began to collaborate more closely.

Their bond was truly tested in September 2017 when Kurdy was attacked and stabbed outside his mosque. The incident reinforced their commitment to fostering understanding across faiths. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of around 59,000 Palestinians and nearly 2,000 Israelis, has posed new challenges, but they remain steadfast in their resolve to promote dialogue.

Dovid highlighted a poignant moment when Kurdy and two colleagues prayed at his synagogue on the night of the attack in October. This gesture exemplified mutual respect and understanding. “Innocent Palestinian children have died, and when they do, I cry for them as well,” Dovid stated, emphasizing the need for empathy in times of strife.

Kurdy added that their friendship is rooted in respect, which he defines as being open to listen with an open heart and mind. “Empathy is lacking in the world now,” he noted. “When people look at each other, they have so much pain in their own heart they have no room to empathise with anyone else.” He believes that through their friendship, they can learn from each other’s experiences, strengthening their identities while fostering connections.

The initiative is the brainchild of businessman and community advocate Mark Schweiger, who felt compelled to act following the events in Gaza. Concerned for the future of his children, he sought to demonstrate that Jews and Muslims can coexist peacefully. Since then, Lewis and Kurdy have visited numerous schools across Greater Manchester, engaging with over 12,000 children and young people.

As interfaith meetings have dwindled amid the ongoing conflict, they stress the importance of continuing their efforts to foster unity. “The relationships between the communities were going well until October 2023,” Dovid remarked. “But we decided we cannot let this tear our communities apart.”

Despite facing criticism from some within their communities, both leaders remain committed to keeping the lines of communication open. Dovid expressed gratitude for the insights gained from his friendship with Kurdy, saying, “I know I have gained a greater understanding and appreciation of my religion by having an imam as a friend.”

Their discussions have not shied away from challenging topics. Kurdy acknowledged the difficulty of listening to perspectives that differ from one’s own, particularly regarding the sensitive issue of Palestine. “It’s plainly obvious there is another narrative going on,” he explained. “If you want to be true to our friendship, you have to listen to that other narrative.”

The assembly at Saddleworth School opened the floor to questions, revealing the curiosity and eagerness of the students to learn more. A young boy asked, “I thought Jew was used as an insult?” Dovid explained the origin of the term, emphasizing that context matters. “It’s not an insult in any way, shape, or form,” he clarified.

Headteacher Mike Anderson asked about the impact of Lewis and Kurdy’s work. In response, Kurdy recounted a recent visit where a student admitted to shedding tears during their presentation. “Something happens to people when they listen with an open heart,” he said. “It changes their perspective.”

Their initiative has even reached individuals from diverse backgrounds, including a Palestinian refugee who initially approached them with skepticism but later expressed appreciation for their message. Dovid concluded, “Hopefully, the next time he saw antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism or bullying of any kind, he said, ‘I won’t stand for that.'”

Through their efforts, Rabbi Dovid Lewis and Imam Dr Nasser Kurdy exemplify how dialogue and understanding can flourish even in the face of deep-seated conflict. Their work serves as a reminder that empathy and respect can pave the way for unity, even amidst challenging circumstances.