HLRS Multi-Faith Councils in Mixed Cities

The HLRS is committed to fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation through the establishment of multi-faith councils in mixed cities. These councils serve as platforms for religious leaders, educators, and community representatives to engage in meaningful dialogue, address communal challenges, and promote peaceful coexistence.

Expanding the Model: Haifa, Acre, and Ramle

Building on the success of its Haifa Multi-Religious Forum, HLRS has expanded its efforts to Acre and Ramle in collaboration with the Department for Religious Communities at the Ministry of Interior.

• • Haifa: HLRS inaugurated its first multi-faith forum in September 2024 at Haifa’s City Hall, with over 100 attendees, including religious leaders, school principals, and municipal representatives. The forum, endorsed by Mayor Yona Yahav, focuses on education initiatives in schools and inter-communal initiatives to enhance interfaith understanding.
  • Ramle: Supported by Mayor Michael Vidal, HLRS initiated a six-session closed-door dialogue series for Jewish Orthodox, Muslim, and Christian leaders. This initiative aims to establish a structured multi-faith council that will address the city’s intercommunal dynamics.
  • Acre: In November, HLRS Director Prof. Uriel Simonsohn met with Mayor Amichai Ben Shlush, who pledged his support. In collaboration with Dr. Janan Fallah and Iyad Sarhan (Ministry of Interior), HLRS is forming a multi-faith group to strengthen interreligious ties in the city.

Strategic Impact

These councils provide structured dialogue spaces where religious leaders collaborate on educational programs, conflict resolution strategies, and interfaith engagement initiatives. They serve as community bridges, fostering mutual respect and shared civic responsibility in Israel’s diverse urban landscapes.

By institutionalizing interfaith cooperation at the municipal level, HLRS is setting a precedent for sustainable multi-faith collaboration, reinforcing Haifa’s role as a model city for interreligious dialogue and expanding this vision to other mixed cities.