Israeli Students Encourage Interfaith at University

At the Mt. Scopus campus of the Hebrew University "A/Nahnu”, members of the Interfaith Encounter Association and COE Chapter in Israel, meet regularly to learn about - and discuss different religious themes.

These students decided to form a "Lobby for Equal Rights” at the University, in order to promote the construction of a Muslim Prayer Room, where Muslim students will be able to pray without disturbing or being disturbed by others. The lobby consisted out of both Jewish and Palestinian students who share a collective vision of having more equality on campus, making it more pleasant and welcoming to everyone.
Despite the difficulties they faced and thanks to the support received from all of the University Departments, they managed to pass a unanimous resolution in the students' convention to support the establishment of the Prayer Room. Even groups representing the Arab students, who usually refrain from cooperating with the university's institutions, supported the formation of the Prayer Room, by offering their help.

The university accepted the challenge and the prayer room was built in the center of the Faculty of Humanities.

The inauguration ceremony took place in December 2010 and it represented the opening of a new page in the relations between Jews, Muslims and Christians on the campus. The great effort that went into manifesting this vision is a testimony that people from different backgrounds and religions can work together for a positive cause. During the inauguration, an olive tree was planted on the lawn of the Faculty of Humanities, as a symbol of tolerance, respect, peace and courtesy.