In this collaborative project of TRUST WIN (Women’s Interfaith Network) and The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, over 50 Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Druze women gathered in 2013 for meetings in in Dahliat Hacarmel and at the Sisters of Zion Convent in Jerusalem. Women from the different faiths discussed how to create action plans relating to ‘Women and the Environment’. At the meetings, facilitators led small workshops to generate practical activities in the form of Action Plans on Environmental Sustainability that the women can implement at home, in their schools, and in their communities. The events also included shared meals and music.
To read a blog post about the Gathering, click here.
Schedule of the June 2013 Women’s Multi-faith Eco Gathering
Day One:
| 11:30- 14:00 | Arrival at the Sisters of Zion Convent, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem. Welcome and introductions |
| 14:00 | Study session about the environment with Christian, Druze, Jewish, and Muslim women |
| 19:00 | Dinner |
| 20:00 | Activity: What is your community’s Ecological Footprint? |
Day Two:
| 7:30 | Walking Meditation in the Sisters of Zion Convent gardens |
| 8:00 | Breakfast |
| 9:00 | Study session about the environment with Christian, Druze, Jewish, and Muslim women (continued) |
| 11:00-15:30 | Tour of Ein Kerem religious sites Lunch Meeting with Naomi Tsur–Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem: “Green Pilgrimage in Jerusalem” |
| 15:30 | End of gathering |
- Overcome inter-religious strife through uniting women to work together for the well-being of present and future generations;
- Further coexistence and sustainability within diverse communities in the Holy Land;
- Utilize environmental cooperation as a way to build and maintain peace in the Holy Land.
- Strengthens the ties between Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Druze women and the sisterhood that brings them together.
Program participants have been very satisfied with the experience and outcomes. Some responses included:
–“We have so few opportunities to be with women of other areas and religions. I want to continue to meet and work together.” -Muslim woman from Faradis.
— “This is the first time I’m sitting with Jewish and Druze women and understanding that they have same concerns as I do. We can find ways to do projects together.” -Druze woman from Daliat.
— “I enjoyed talking and getting to know women from other religions. It was very significant, special and bonding for all of us, and we would like to take part in more meetings in the future.” -Jewish women from Tzfat