A simple action of sitting together and holding a conversation with people—even those closest to us—poses a great burden on us in this modern generation. Touching and typing on a glass screen makes us feel as though we are connecting more than we ever could through talking or making eye contact. Yet these advances in technology cannot—and will not—sustain what humanity longs for the most: understanding and peace.
These two words, often used interchangeably in an attempt to make up for the absence of the other, seem like a reality that is too far away, unattainable, and out of reach. Communication through technology might be able to spread understanding and peace to a certain extent; however, the conflict reigning all over the world—and the misconception and misunderstanding embedded between communities—still continues to exist. That’s why there are efforts for interfaith dialogue: a bridge between communities to break stereotypes and maintain a sense of connection that can sustain the short-lived peace and understanding this world lacks.
Related: What it means to live in the middle and be a peacebuilder
In the context of Abrahamic religions, I asked three individuals—prominent in their Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities—to share their thoughts on what interfaith dialogue means to them and how it affects their communities.
Rabbi Ziona Zelazo – A Vision for Harmony
Rabbi Ziona Zelazo—usually referred to as Rabbi Ziona—is a member of the New Jersey Board of Rabbis and was ordained at the Academy for Jewish Religion (AJR) in New York, a pluralistic seminary that trains rabbis and cantors. She is a trans-denominational rabbi who brings a wide range of experiences, skills, and perspectives to her rabbinate and counseling practice. She is deeply committed to those she serves and handles each individual’s life events with sensitivity and wisdom.
I met Rabbi Ziona at an iftar during Ramadan at Peace Islands Institute, New Jersey. I was drawn to the way she communicated her opinions and was impressed by the questions she asked—curious, yet careful not to overstep or judge any culture or religion. Her approach gave me the courage to ask for her thoughts on interfaith dialogue, which she was kind enough to share.
Rabbi Ziona highlighted key steps to achieving harmony and creating a “world free of disputes and conflict.” She believes the “first key to achieving harmony” is through “education in religious literacy.” Education, in this context, doesn’t only encompass what we learn in school but also emphasizes cross-cultural similarities instead of adopting a polarizing attitude toward differences.
She continued, stating that the “second key to achieving harmony is having interfaith dialogues.” Interfaith dialogue, she said, is essential in helping “people connect and build relationships.” She shared how she was personally “touched by participating in several iftar dinners.” For her, interfaith dialogue goes beyond simply holding conversations or sharing food—it demonstrates the power such experiences have to “help gain understanding and respect for the Muslim religion and its practitioners.”
Related: What campus ministries has taught me about interfaith dialogue
Rabbi Ziona left a message: to “focus on what brings us meaning, hope, and connection so that here, in America and in the world, we radiate the vision of harmony.” This beautifully summarized her purpose in interacting with people from different cultures and faiths. It is also a message that parallels Mr. Guven’s thoughts on interfaith dialogue.
Mr. Guven – Dialogue as Daily Practice
Mr. Guven is the program director for the youth group at Peace Islands Institute, of which I am a part. He is an inspiring example of a dedicated mentor, helping youth understand and actively practice interfaith dialogue. I’m fortunate to be on his team at Peace Islands Institute. His reflections on interfaith dialogue clearly reflect his passion for this field and his commitment to his role.
Mr. Guven believes that “in a world where ignorance and misinformation can fuel division, dialogue serves as a bridge to understanding, compassion, and peace.” His views directly align with Rabbi Ziona’s account of the steps to achieving harmony.
He went on to describe the emotional effect of these experiences. In spaces where he engages in dialogue, he feels a “sense of love and compassion.” He describes these as “living in a world where peace is not just a distant ideal, but a tangible reality we can work toward every day.” This illustrates that, for him, dialogue is not just a form of communication—it is a daily practice and a reality we can strive toward.
Mr. Guven’s thoughts on interfaith dialogue revolve around a “renewed sense of hope” with every conversation and a focus on “the values we hold in common,” such as “love and compassion… justice, mercy, and care for one another.” His words highlight his belief that the world can truly benefit from adopting a mindset of open communication between cultures.
Pastor Susan – Living Interfaith in Ministry
Pastor Susan is the pastor of Brookdale Reformed Church in New Jersey. She has been engaged in interfaith dialogue for over eight years and is in close contact with Peace Islands Institute. While seeking a Christian perspective on interfaith dialogue, I was directed to speak with Pastor Susan. She is widely recognized for her commitment to fostering healthy relationships between communities, and her experiences provide valuable insights into how interfaith dialogue has impacted her and her congregation.
In the account she shared with me, Pastor Susan reflected on a pivotal interfaith experience that deepened her appreciation of other cultures. She recalled gathering with “Peace Islands Institute back in 2017… with the congregation from Temple Ner Tamid.” She explained that this gathering, called the “Abrahamic Gatherings,” brought together 15 members from each congregation. Their meeting showed how “interwoven” they truly were as Abrahamic faiths. The congregations decided to continue this relationship with an “Abrahamic Walk” through a park in Clifton, New Jersey. This walk was “based on Psalm 23 and included food, prayer, and discussion.”
This experience was just the beginning of interfaith dialogue for her. This experience also led her congregation to continue the relationship. As Pastor Susan noted, the participants would leave iftar dinners “with a new sense of understanding, respect, and interwovenness.” She later described interfaith dialogue as “a meaningful and cherished aspect of my ministry and life.”
Pastor Susan’s experiences, much like those of Rabbi Ziona and Mr. Guven, show how these efforts have long-term impacts on both individuals and communities. In Pastor Susan’s case, it has been ongoing for over seven years, continually enriching her ministry and community.
Related: Why mutual respect calls for authenticity, vulnerability, and humility
All of these reflections on interfaith dialogue are parallel to each other—coming from different perspectives but leading to the same conclusion: that dialogue has deep value for both communities and individuals, fostering peace and understanding. However, interfaith dialogue should not be treated as and is not merely theoretical—it demands action and presence. These shared efforts reveal that peace and understanding are achievable. But they do require intention, openness, and a sincere willingness to build bridges across communities.
Leyla Guclu
Leyla Guclu is a junior at Pioneer Academy in New Jersey with a strong dedication to interfaith dialogue and a focus on Middle Eastern Studies. She holds a certification from Tel Aviv University in the Emergence of the Modern Middle East. Leyla actively applies her knowledge through her work with the Peace Islands Institute and the Wafaa Institute, where she helps build bridges across cultures and communities. In her free time, she enjoys learning new languages such as Arabic, Hebrew, and Spanish, and relaxing with a good newspaper.
