Dear Friends,
The past weeks have once again been marked by pain and uncertainty. After a fragile period of calm, the reality of war has returned, shaking all of us—here and in Gaza. Families continue to wait for the return of their loved ones, homes are being destroyed, and lives are being lost. The cycle of suffering seems unrelenting, leaving us to ask: how much longer can we endure this reality? And more importantly—where do we go from here?
Even in these difficult times, we refuse to lose hope. We choose to act. Amidst the heartbreak, we continue to create spaces for dialogue, for listening, and for connection—where people meet not as headlines, but as human beings. These efforts may seem small against the backdrop of conflict, but they are essential in paving a different path. We believe that even in this reality, change is possible—if we commit to it, if we continue working together to build a better future.
Now, more than ever, we invite you to be part of this work. Whether by joining our dialogue programs, supporting our educational initiatives, or sharing a message of peace, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can help shape a future where violence is not inevitable, but a chapter left behind—where respect, understanding, and shared humanity form the foundation of our communities. We—Jews, Muslims, and Christians, Israelis and Palestinians—choose to keep believing, keep engaging, and keep building the future we know is possible.
Iftars at the Rossing Center
Over the past month, Ramadan was celebrated, and through the various programs of the Rossing Center, we marked this sacred time with Iftar meals. Iftar is the meal that breaks the daily fast at sunset throughout Ramadan. For millions of Muslims around the world, breaking the fast is much more than just a meal—it is a moment of generosity, family, and heartfelt connection.
The Open House in Ramle is an interfaith and multicultural initiative dedicated to creating not just a shared space, but a true community—one that fosters deep and meaningful connections beyond familiar divisions.
For several years now, the Rossing Center has hosted Iftar meals at the Open House in Ramle during Ramadan, and this year, we once again gathered for what has become a cherished tradition. Around a shared table, Jews, Muslims, and Christians came together to listen, engage, and build an atmosphere of understanding and trust.
Two festive Iftar meals were also held for participants and alumni of the ‘Meeting Place’ program—where Palestinian and Israeli students at the Hebrew University meet to learn, converse, heal hatred and act together to create a more inclusive campus.
Alumni gathered to share the iftar meal and then take part in a dialogue and discussion around various texts on the theme of growth alongside crisis. Participants shared how they cope with what is happening in the outside world and, more importantly, discussed what gives them strength during these challenging times. Additionally, they spoke about the alumni community of the Meeting House, its vision, and goals, as part of a space for healing and hope.
Christian Communities at a Crossroads
In late March we published the annual report of JCJCR offering an in-depth analysis of the harassment and violence directed at Christian communities in Israel and East Jerusalem over the course of 2024. It documents a concerning rise in incidents of intimidation and aggression, particularly targeting clergy and church properties. Additionally, the report examines the socio-political dynamics underpinning this troubling trend, providing critical insights into the factors driving these developments and recommendations to stakeholders about possible concrete steps to address them.
Alongside this Report, a survey the Rossing Center commissioned in December 2024 to assess the sentiments of Christian communities in Israel and East Jerusalem confirmed growing concerns over the perceived erosion of the symbolic and physical spaces Christians have inhabited for millennia. While the rise in harassment against Christians does not appear to be part of an official political agenda, this troubling trend is unfolding in a climate marked by increasing state-backed nationalism and intolerance which has become normalised by the State of Israel.
At the conference held this month, the results of the report and survey were presented to an audience of journalists and other invited guests. To view the summary of the survey results: https://rossingcenter.org/survey-of-palestinian-arab-christians-in-israel-and-east-jerusalem-2/
At the beginning of the week we held a webinar featuring the Rossing Center staff who were responsible for the report and survey that were published:
Hana Bendcowsky – Program Director of the Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations.
Hussam Elias – Project Director at the Rossing Center and Executive Secretary of the International Christian Committee in Israel
Federica Sasso – Coordinator of the JCJCR Advocacy and Education Initiative
The speakers discussed the results of the report and survey, along with a discussion on the rise in violence and insights into the factors driving the development of this situation. You can watch the recording here:
After Eid el Fitr and we approach Passover and Easter, we reflect on the shared moments that have brought us together, even in these difficult times. The challenges we face can feel overwhelming, but the connections we’ve fostered—through Iftar meals, dialogues, and our ongoing work—offer a glimpse of possibilities. We continue to believe that these small steps can lead to something bigger, that compassion and understanding can spark change.
In the midst of this war, we hold onto the belief that peace must prevail, and that together, we can build a future where all people can live together in dignity and respect. May this season bring renewal and hope to all. Eid Mubarak, Chag Sameach, and Happy Easter!
