Seeking justice, peace and equal rights for all in Palestine/Israel, we Palestinian, Israeli and American Muslims, Jews, Christians, secular humanists and people of any or no religious faith look to our common teachings/values and to each other for guidance and faith/steadfastness, acknowledging our interdependence as fellow human beings and taking courage in our shared belief that all people are members of the human family, children/servants/descendants of Conscious Life/God/Infinite Being, with inalienable rights to equality, freedom, dignity, respect and love.
The Qur’an: Sura 49:13
“O humankind! We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know and honor each other (not that you should despise one another). Indeed the most honorable among you is the most righteous.”
Reflection on Islamic scripture ~ Dr. Ghiath Reda, Director of Religious Affairs/Imam at the Islamic Center of Boston, Wayland MA
“The emphasis is on the equality of humans regardless of their sex or origin; the call is not only for believers but is a cry to the whole human race to acknowledge their differences and to come to know each other, to learn from each other and cooperate for the benefit of all.”
The Torah: Leviticus 19:34
“The stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you and you shalt love him. He is like you, for you, as well, were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
Reflection on Jewish scripture ~ Rabbi Leo Baeck; The Essence of Judaism
“Man has been created in the image of God. However large the differences, what they have in common and what characterizes all of them is that image of God in them. It is impossible to express the unity of all human beings more clearly and more definitely…. Simon ben Asai said, ‘When God created man, he created him in his image.’ In this sentence all of Torah is contained.”
The New Testament: Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others as you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Reflection on Christian scripture ~ Reverend Robert Neville, Dean Emeritus of Marsh Chapel, Boston University, Boston, MA
“The Golden Rule prescribes that all people should regard themselves as in the shoes of everyone else, asking what is best for each person’s situation. Ultimately, we are not tribal, one against the others, but we are familial, all brothers and sisters. Christianity fails its essence when it does not host everyone into the presence of God.”