At the Museum of the Seam in Jerusalem

An Interfaith prayer initiated by the Inter-Religious Coordinating Council in Israel (ICCI) was held on Thursday evening, Oct. 29th at the Museum of the Seam in Jerusalem. The evening was moderated by Dr. Deborah Weissman, co-vice chairperson of ICCI and consisted of prayers and reflections on Peace, by Jews, Christians and Muslims. Rabbi Joel Levy invoked a Jewish prayer with a reflection given by Dr. Deborah Weissman. A Christian prayer was given by Sr. Rita Kammermayer,N.D.S. and the reflection by Fr. David Neuhaus,S.J. Sheikha Ibtisam Mahameed prayed a Muslim prayer followed by a reflection by Mr. Issa Jabber, Mayor of Abu Ghosh. After each prayer there was a musical interlude by Yaron Peer. There was a large and appreciative number of people in attendance.

An important emphasis was placed on being an instrument of peace… where there is hatred, let me sow love, where there is darkness, light. There was also the realization that we need to undergo a personal transformation because within us there is much unrest and violence. We pray to become instruments of peace so that we can truly bring this peace to wherever we go. Do my thoughts, words and actions convey this message?

It was a beautiful evening with Jews, Christians and Muslims each expressing the need for peace in ourselves, in our communities, and in our world. May we always be able and willing to gather together as God’s children and to pray for peace in Jerusalem and for the world.

Rita Kammermayer, N.D.S.