All articles tagged with #peacebuilding
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of building peace through strong institutions, education, and social justice, highlighting the role of the Gospel and Church’s social doctrine as guides. He called for standing with victims, promoting non-violence, and fostering fraternity and dialogue, urging participants to remain committed to creating peaceful institutions across all sectors.
Sarah Milgrim, a young Israeli Embassy staffer from Kansas, was tragically killed in a politically motivated ambush in Washington, D.C., and was mourned during a private funeral in her hometown, highlighting her dedication to peace, human rights, and community service.
Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Jewish and Muslim Americans are finding common ground through organizations like the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, which brings together women from both faiths to foster understanding, support, and work towards peace. Through conversations and shared experiences, members explore the impact of Israel and Palestine on their identities and emotions, while emphasizing mutual respect and listening. Journalist and peace activist Aziz Abu Sarah, who lost his brother in the conflict, has built friendships and facilitated dialogue between people with different backgrounds through dual narrative tours and online discussions. Despite the pain and loss experienced by those directly impacted, efforts to bridge divides and promote understanding offer hope for a better future.
The Israel-Hamas war has strained the Jewish-Muslim interfaith community in Los Angeles, but leaders of the NewGround fellowship program have found that it has actually strengthened their bond. Aziza Hasan, a Muslim, and Andrea Hodos, a Jew, have formed a close friendship and provide support to each other during these challenging times. Both women have deep roots in Israel and Palestine, and they worry about the potential for violence and misunderstanding in the United States. Despite the difficulties, they continue their work in fostering interfaith connections and finding solace in the relationships they have built.
Bishop Christian Carlassare of Rumbek emphasizes the need for dialogue, commitment, and collective participation to restore peace and dignity in South Sudan. He highlights the importance of solidarity, forgiveness, and reconciliation, urging the country to turn the page on negative narratives of injustice and violence. Carlassare emphasizes the need for conversion and a social pact that addresses poverty, access to basic services, and the impact of climate change. He calls for disarmament, both of the heart and of weapons, as crucial steps towards lasting peace.