Regional – MENA
ECOPEACE/ FOEME
EcoPeace/Friends of the Earth Middle East Cooperation Circle
Environmental peacemaking in the Middle East
“Our purpose is to engage Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities in the rehabilitation of the lower Jordan River.”
Action Areas: Community Building, Environment,Interfaith/Intercultural Understanding and Dialogue, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions: Atheist, Christianity, Islam, Judaism
Sub-Traditions: Nontheist
Number of Members: 100
Location: Around the Jordan River
Joined URI Network: April 2014
Friends of the Earth Middle East (FoEME) brings together Jordanian, Palestinian, and Israeli environmentalists to promote cooperative efforts to protect their shared environmental heritage. They seek to advance both sustainable regional development and the creation of necessary conditions for lasting peace in their region through their environmental peacemaking work. They have offices in Amman, Bethlehem, and Tel-Aviv and they are a member of Friends of the Earth International, the largest grassroots environmental network in the world. They are a project-oriented organization; hence, their work is organized according to projects. Friends of the Earth Middle East has been involved in community development projects in the Jordan Valley since the early 2000s. Some of their ongoing projects: the “Good Water Neighbors” (GWN) project, which aims at raising awareness of the shared water problems of Palestinians, Jordanians, and Israelis; the Jordan River Rehabilitation Project; the “Protecting Groundwater” project, which aims to promote sustainable management of water resources and alleviate pollution of groundwater in the Mediterranean basins; the development of 3 FoEME EcoParks (whether to preserve biodiversity, or as a powerful tool for environmental education, they are important community based projects); and the Jordan River Peace Park, which is considered as the concrete first step towards rehabilitating the Jordan River, endorsed by the mayors and communities on both sides of the river.
MUSAIQUE
Spreading messages of peace and coexistence through music production
“Our purpose is to bring together musicians, amateurs, and professionals from all over the MENA region, with the objective to establish a better understanding of each other’s culture, religion, and traditions.”
Traditions: Judaism, Islam, Christianity
Number of Members: 14
Joined URI Network: February 2009
Musaique Cooperation Circle (CC) revolves around music creation as a means to bring people from different faiths and backgrounds together under the umbrella of music production. The CC dreams of touching the hearts and minds of people and making a difference in the world, spreading messages of peace and coexistence.
WIN MENA
Women’s Interfaith Network of the Middle East and North Africa CC
Building an environment where women can work together and strengthen their unique peace-building qualities and demonstrate how to change attitudes and behaviors
“Our purpose is to learn together and share information about our religions, traditions, and customs in order to dispel stereotypes, avoid prejudice and mistrust, create sisterhood, and to act together effectively to enhance the cooperation and respect between religions in our region.”
Action Areas: Women
Traditions: Judaism, Islam, Spirituality, Christianity
Sub-Traditions: Druze
Number of Members: 11
Joined URI Network: November 2003
Women’s Interfaith Network of the Middle East and North Africa (WIN MENA) Cooperation Circle (CC) was formed by Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Egyptian, Israeli, Jordanian, Palestinian, Tunisian women at the 2003 MENA Conference, with the goal of creating interfaith women’s solidarity and the opportunity to pursue joint activities. CC members regularly meet in conjunction with the annual MENA Region Conferences in Jordan. They hold a three day Women’s Interfaith Leadership Workshop in Amman. Additionally, they focus on promoting interfaith understanding and solidarity among women of the Abrahamic religions in our region.
Egypt
Teaching young people tolerance and understanding “Our purpose is to teach young people tolerance and understanding of different religious traditions, not through abstract learning, but through personal contacts and experiences.”
Action Areas: Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Number of Members: 9
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Joined URI Network: August 2008
Al-Karma-CIDT offers internships to Egyptian and Western students to work on papers on interreligious understanding for publication in the electronic magazine Arab-West Report (AWR). AWR was established in 1997 with the specific goal of fostering better understanding of the Arab World and also showing how polemics and biased media reporting can negatively impact understanding on each side of the Arab-West and Muslim-non-Muslim divide. Members of the CC are encouraged to contribute to the forum of the Electronic Network for Arab-West Understanding (ENAWU) on issues related to interreligious understanding.
COUNCIL OF ARAKHNA (ELDERS) AND WISE IN EGYPT
Reaching equal opportunities and recognition of all citizens of Egypt
“Our purpose is to promote peaceful co-existence among followers of different religions and to prevent violence and promote early conflict resolution in Egypt.”
Action Areas: Community Building, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Women
Traditions: Islam, Christianity
Sub-Traditions: Catholic, Orthodox, Coptic, Protestant
Number of Members: 3000
Location: Bani Mazar, Minia, Egypt
Joined URI Network: March 2016
Distinguished scholars and activists from different religious and professional backgrounds established the Council of Arakhna (elders) and Wise in Egypt in 2014. Their goal was to promote peaceful co-existence among followers of different religions, to prevent violence and promote early conflict resolution in Egypt.
Their main focus: interaction with Egyptian stakeholders to defend the rights of minorities and oppressed people; the organization of interfaith dialogue forums to promote human rights, dignity and peaceful co-existence; assuring that all citizens of Egypt have the same opportunities regardless of their religious or gender backgrounds.
EGYPT WOMEN EMPOWERMENT BOOSTERS (EWEB) CC
Women empowerment and women’s rights in Egypt
“Our purpose is to empower women in our society and to spread awareness of their rights.”
Action Areas: Women
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Orthodox, Sunni, Sufi
Number of Members: 7
Location: Dokki, Giza, Egypt
Joined URI Network: August 2007
EGYPTIAN INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION CC
Strengthening global civil society
“Our purpose is to further interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding in Egypt, and to create and develop new religious discourses on social, political, cultural, and economic problems.”
Action Areas: Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Orthodox, Coptic, Protestant, Roman Catholic
Number of Members: 10
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Joined URI Network: May 2002
Egyptian Interfaith Association works to launch religiously motivated social action projects, created and maintained by religious people belonging to different traditions. They also offer conflict prevention and resolution initiatives in volatile areas where religious conflicts erupt through exploring and treating the underlying causes, so as to help prevent them in the future. Members also strive to stretch out their hands to the world to exchange ideas and experiences.
GIVING WITHOUT BORDERS
Spreading love and peace to society, family, and friends
“Our purpose is to help people in our society regardless of religion, background, education or colour.”
Action Areas: Community Building, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Women, Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Orthodox, Sunni, Catholic
Number of Members: 7
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Joined URI Network: January 2011
Giving Without Borders Cooperation Circle (CC) is involved in several key projects:
1. I am Egyptian: this project aims to teach children and young people good ethics, attitudes and behavior. It concentrates on the idea of all is one, and how to respect and accept others no matter how different they are.
2. Scout for Peace: the main goal of this group is to promote a culture of peace between children and young people and to educate children on peace issues, good ethics, and respect and love for all people.
3. Misriyti: this project is a voluntary initiative that focuses on peace education through art, training, theater, music and other activities.
NEW HORIZONS CC
Helping Muslims and Christians understand each other better in Egypt
“Our Purpose is to find new horizons for spreading the culture of peace among all religions, so people from different religions can live together in harmony.”
Action Areas Interfaith education, Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam, Bahaii
Number of Members: 7
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Joined URI Network: April 2010
New Horizons was created as an independent group under the mother organization Development No Borders. The idea of creating this organization started after a series of informative sessions about religions in Egypt was held as a part of a course called Ambassador of Egypt. These sessions aim at helping Muslims and Christians understand each other better and live together peacefully. Members have organized informative sessions about religions as well as prayer meetings for peace in the world.
EGYPTIAN INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION CC
Strengthening global civil society
“Our purpose is to further interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding in Egypt, and to create and develop new religious discourses on social, political, cultural, and economic problems.”
Action Areas: Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Orthodox, Coptic, Protestant, Roman Catholic
Number of Members: 10
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Joined URI Network: May 2002
Egyptian Interfaith Association works to launch religiously motivated social action projects, created and maintained by religious people belonging to different traditions. They also offer conflict prevention and resolution initiatives in volatile areas where religious conflicts erupt through exploring and treating the underlying causes, so as to help prevent them in the future. Members also strive to stretch out their hands to the world to exchange ideas and experiences.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE
Working to be the difference we want to see in the world
“Our purpose is to encourage dialogue and support peace.”
Action Areas: Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Sunni, Sufi
Number of Members: 8
Location: Alexandria, Egypt
Joined URI Network: October 2009
TOLERANCE CC
Using radio and digital media to promote a world where one is not judged by the color of the skin, or beliefs, or wealth, or where one is from, and the only bond we are sharing is our humanity
“Our purpose is to spread the ideas of tolerance and coexistence. We are trying to find common ground where people can meet so that they can work together for the sake of development and a better life.”
Action Areas: Civic Engagement, Interfaith Dialogue, Peace-Building, Media
Traditions: Islam, Christianity, Bahai
Sub-Traditions: Orthodox, Catholic
Number of Members: 8
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Joined URI Network: August 2009
Tolerance Cooperation Circle (CC) runs a blog that tackles the ideas of tolerance, freedom and critical thinking. Furthermore, Tolerance CC is leading workshops on peace building and visits poor areas.
We would like to share this wonderful quote of one of Tolerance CC’s members: “The most important lesson I have witness is that interfaith is a living experience, it is not a talk or a workshop, the more people share things and communicate the better they are.”
The Diversity of Becoming One
Creating unity within diversity
“Our purpose is to create a better future by creating a world in which diversity unites us, not divides us. We want to embrace values that are shared by individuals, rather than emphasizing differences.”
Traditions
Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions
Orthodox, Sunni, Protestant, Catholic
Number of Members
7
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Alexandria, Egypt
Joined URI Network
April 2011
The Diversity of Becoming One Cooperation Circle (CC) works in the field of intercultural and interreligious dialogue and promoting peace in the Euro-Mediterranean region. CC members call for unity after sectarian tension, especially in Egypt, and create a better national feeling where tolerance and respect prevail.
The Association of Egyptian Female Lawyers
We are activating women´s political participation and supporting women´s legal, political and social rights approved by national laws and international conventions.The association focuses on women’s rights in general. It aims at providing legal support and aid for women in addition to enabling them economically, socially and politically.
Action Areas
Women
Traditions
Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions
Catholic, Orthodox, Sunni
Number of Members
96
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Sub-Region
North Africa
Location
Giza, Egypt
Joined URI Network
May 2018
Website
https://www.aeflwomen.com
Sohag Community Development (SCDA) CC
Collaborating across lines of nationality, religion or race to improve community conditions
“Our purpose is to find a better future by improving community conditions.”
Action Areas
Community Building, Health and Social Services,Women
Traditions
Islam, Christianity
Sub-Traditions
Catholic, Anglican
Number of Members
8
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Sohag, Egypt
Joined URI Network
July 2007
Sohag Community Development (SCDA) Cooperation Circle (CC) promotes a better future for the local community through comprehensive development. The small Muslim community in the city of Sohag is in daily cooperation with the majority of Coptic Christians in this city. Therefore, CC members have experienced countless interfaith encounters between Muslims and Christians. They organize Ramadani Iftars (feasts) that are attended by Christian and Muslim friends. After the meal, CC members conduct discussions about fasting in Islam and Christianity. These types of events foster a unique atmosphere that promotes closeness.
Promoting peace, understanding and respect among youth
“Our purpose is to build bridges between people from different faiths, cultures and backgrounds through dialogue and by traveling to discover new cultures.”
Action Areas
Youth
Traditions
Islam, Christianity
Sub-Traditions
Sunni, Sufi, Orthodox
Number of Members
7
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Alexandria, Egypt
Joined URI Network
October 2009
Communication and understanding as a step towards cooperation
“Planet-E (Planet- Earth) is named after a new earth we want to create, one that enjoys peace by giving the chance for groups of young people from different cultures and religions to be together.”
Traditions
Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions
Catholic, Orthodox
Number of Members
8
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Cairo, Egypt
Joined URI Network
July 2005
Planet-E Cooperation Circle (CC) promotes interfaith dialogue on local and international levels. Members visit orphanages to present toys, books and sweets. They support religious harmony through making kids happy—especially orphans—and through the Arts—as a method of communication and a way of understanding. This CC dreams of a new community in which all members love each other and life, accept the differences and even the incompatibility and try to create something new through cooperation.
Iran
IRAN YOUTHS FOR PEACE AND INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE CC
OUR PURPOSE IS TO GET FAMILIAR WITH DIFFERENT RELIGIONS AND TO CREATE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN YOUTHS OF DIFFERENT RELIGIONS. TO PROMOTE THE CULTURE OF PEACE AND JUSTICE AMONG YOUTHS.
To hold small meetings for Iranian youths to acquaint them with the common ground that religions share in the building of peace and peaceful co-existence.
Members: 7
Traditions: Christian, Islam Muslim, Jewish
Action Area: Youth
Iraq
IRAQ YOUTH FOR DIALOGUE AND COEXISTENCE CC
Social activists innovating non-formal educational activities and participation
“Our duty as social activists is to focus on using new ways of participation and innovating non-formal education activities.”
Action Areas: Youth
Traditions: Islam, Christianity
Sub-Traditions: Shi’a, Sunni, Kurdish, Catholic
Number of Members: 7
Location: Baghdad, Iraq
Joined URI Network: February 2010
Iraqi Youth for Dialogue and Coexistence CC:
- creates a common platform for Iraqi Youths to interact, communicate, and develop dialogue skills in areas related to interfaith
- spreads awareness among all Iraqi youth on pluralism, democratic rule, interfaith dialogue, transparency, human rights’ education, and gender equality through workshops, multimedia tools, and advocacy campaigns
- gathers Iraqi, Arab, and Middle Eastern youth from all sects, religions, ethnicities, and non-partisan groups to discuss and solve cultural and religious clashes
- trains young activists on leadership, interculturalism, conflict resolution, and peace building in an attempt to help them become initiators, each in his or her own community
LARSA CC
Advocating for minorities’ rights and a culture of tolerance and active citizenship.
“Our Purpose is to promote the multilateralism in the society through our work in faith-based issues, peace building or diversity promotion.”
Action Areas: Civic Engagement, Environment, Interfaith Dialogue, Peacebuilding
Number of Members: 9
Traditions: Christianity, Muslim, Mandaean
Sub-Traditions: Gnosticism, Shi’a, Sunni, Orthodox, Catholic
Location: Basra, Iraq
Joined URI Network: February 2017
Larsa Organization is a well-established non-profit organization working to restore peace in Iraq, a country that has been suffering from sectarian violence since 2003. Larsa has accomplished many bridge-building projects between different religious traditions and minorities. They focus on promoting minorities’ rights and a culture of tolerance and active citizenship. The group is proud of its involvement in the We Are All Citizens Project in Iraq, which was developed by the Dutch organization (PAX) in partnership with them and in cooperation with the EU and Dutch MOFA. The project aimed at reinforcing citizenship and avoiding the sectarian tension and violence in Iraq. Members organize many activities, campaigns, events, workshops and festivals as well. In addition, they screen many documentaries. Larsa has published a religion heritage book under the supervision of the Director of Antiquities and Heritage Inspectorates in Basra and the representative of UNESCO in Iraq. The book is dedicated to the documentation of archaeological sites and serves to educate young people about cultural heritage and the importance of preserving it.
UR FOR INTERFAITH DIALOGUE & PEACEMAKING CC
Peace-building and interfaith dialogue in Iraq at grassroots levels
“Our purpose is to build bridges of understanding and love among people of the diverse faiths of Iraq.”
Action Areas: Media
Traditions: Islam, Indigenous
Sub-Traditions: Shi’a, Sunni, Native
Number of Members: 14
Location: Baghdad, Iraq
Joined URI Network: February 2014
Ur for Interfaith Dialogue & Peacemaking Cooperation Circle (CC) build bridges of understanding and love among people of diverse faiths in Iraq, CC members have visited many sacred places of different faith traditions, built strong relationships with diverse faith leaders of Iraq, and utilized social media to promote understanding of religious diversity. CC members organize meetings for Sunna and Shia’ religious leaders in Baghdad, where participants deliver touching speeches about the importance of respecting one another.
Youth for New WorldEnhancing peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions and ethnic groups in Iraq
“Our purpose is to promote peace and coexistence and dedicating our religious diversities to serve humanity.”
Action Areas
Community Building, Environment, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Women, Youth
Traditions
Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions
Sunni, Shi’a, Kurdish
Number of Members
9
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Sulamanyah, Iraq
Joined URI Network
July 2017
Youth for New World Cooperation Circle (CC) enhances the peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions and ethnic groups in Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan region in North Iraq. CC members build bridges and trust between followers of different religions and to promote inclusion to combat religiously-motivated violence and protect human rights. This group consists of diverse members coming from different religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds in Kurdistan and Iraq. Members enjoy many years of experience in peace-building and human rights. They are part of the “We Are All Citizens” initiative, Future Conferences (18 conferences held in 18 Iraqi provinces), the No for Terrorism Marathon (in Basra 2012), and many other peace-building and human rights conferences, as well as several awareness campaigns that promote coexistence and minorities’ rights, and a number of activities that support the displaced people in Iraq.
Collaboration, solidarity, equal opportunities, gender equality, obtaining the trust of the beneficiaries
” Our purpose is to achieve peace and resolve violence through human experiments/studies and the science of human security. We are working with different bodies to build a better future for Kurdistan region of Iraq through publishing researches and experiments about peace, the culture of “no for violence” and conflict resolution in a legal and peaceful way. “
Action Areas
Community Building, Education, Human Rights,Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions
Christianity, Islam, Baha’i
Number of Members
9
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq
Joined URI Network
September 2017
This groups seeks to achieve peace and resolve violence through human experiments/studies and the science of human security. They are working with different bodies to build a better future for the Kurdistan region of Iraq through publishing research and experiments about peace, and the culture of “no for violence” and conflict resolution in a legal and peaceful way. This is very important to reinforce the sovereignty of the rule of law, as well as to create a secure society free of war to reconstruct the country and retain the sovereignty of humanity. Through their activities, they will spread the cultures of peace, non-violence and conflict resolution at all levels and aspects far from wars, conflicts and anarchy. They will deliver the people of Kurdistan peace messages to and from the international community. They will receive information and other resources from the international community that support the Kurdistan region of Iraq. They will cooperate with government institutions, the executive power, the courts of law, and the parliament and academic institutions by doing researches and trainings in the field peace and conflict resolutions and other aspects of life. PHSO’s goals are peaceful coexistence, tolerance, intercultural and interfaith cooperation.
Israel
EILAT INTERFAITH ENCOUNTER GROUP
Constructive and friendly encounters between inhabitants of Eilat
“Our purpose is getting together people living in Eilat of various denominations to build an interfaith community.”
Action Areas: Community Building, Human Rights
Traditions: Judaism, Christianity, Spirituality
Sub-Traditions: Secular Humanistic, Druze
Number of Members: 13
Location: Eilat, Israel
Joined URI Network: March 2015
This group is mainly formed by educators who develop their work in Eliat, just around the corner of Aqaba, in Jordan, with a unique interfaith composition for Israel. Their population is formed by Muslims, Christians, Armenians and other sub-groups. Cooperation Circle (CC) members believe that education is very important in building bridges. They organize meetings at private venues to study basic religious texts and lectures, concentrating on the educational scope. They also promote social meetings, associating children and relatives, and arrange trips and visits to sites connected to the various religions. By learning and sharing, students, teachers and parents understand the importance of appreciating the different. They hope to build a strong interfaith community in Eliat.
GREEN PROPHET CC
World-leading source of environmental news from the Middle East
“Our purpose is to report on environment news in the Middle East, while being mindful to cultural and religious sensitivities in the dialogue for a healthy environment and Middle East peace.”
Action Areas: Environment
Traditions: Islam, Judaism, Christianity
Number of Members: 20
Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Joined URI Network: May 2009
GreenProphet.com is a Middle Eastern environmental news site that focuses on green stories and living tips. They believe that as ecological issues have no boundaries, there must be a forum for green leaders in the region to come together online. In the past, they organized a blogger’s conference for young activists in Jordan. They also attended a Middle East Water Security event, attended by the Prince of Jordan, and voiced their concerns about the importance of getting young voices and that of environmentalists into the Middle East water dialogue and negotiations.
HEARTBEAT: JERUSALEM CC
Jerusalem CCYouth musicians furthering a culture of peace in the Middle East
“Our purpose: to empower Israeli and Palestinian musicians; to create opportunities and spaces for musicians from both sides to work together; to hear each other and amplify our voices to the wider community; and to utilize music’s power to influence the world around us.”
Action Areas: Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Youth
Traditions: Spirituality, Christianity, Humanism, Islam, Judaism
Sub-Traditions: Universal Church, Druze
Number of Members: 8
Location: Jerusalem, Israel
Joined URI Network: December 2007
Based in Jerusalem, Heartbeat is an international community of musicians, educators, and activists using music to build mutual understanding and transform conflict. Their major activities include:
1. The Heartbeat All-Star Band: Under the Fulbright award, 12 outstanding young musicians were selected as members of the Heartbeat Youth Ensemble, the foundation of the Heartbeat program. As Heartbeat grows to create more opportunities for young Israeli and Palestinian musicians to come together, this Heartbeat Band continues as their flagship program. The ensemble, featuring Jerusalem’s most committed and most talented Israeli and Palestinian high school aged musicians, is an intensive year-round program. Through their musical partnership, these students share a unique opportunity to connect with the other side, build strong relationships, and develop a deep understanding of the world around them.
2. Berlin-Jerusalem Hip-Hop for Social Change Exchange: In May and June 2010 they brought together 16 German, Turkish, Israeli and Palestinian youth musicians, rappers and hip-hop artists for a week-long exchange in Jerusalem and then a week in Berlin.
3. Summer Camp: For 5-7 days Heartbeat’s most committed young musicians come together for an intensive week of music creation, listening, and expression. Prominent Israeli and Palestinian artists offer workshops on song-writing, hip-hop, jazz improvisation, Eastern and Western music theory, and music’s history as a force for change.
4. Battle of the Bands: A music competition for Jerusalem area youth musicians and ensembles.
5. Open Mic: HEAR. BE HEARD. This open stage event is open to all and takes place each month at the Willie Brandt Center in Abu Tor, Jerusalem.
JERUSALEM PEACEMAKERS CC
Religious leaders using religion as a force for peace in the Holy Land
“Our purpose is peace building and working towards reconciliation in the Holy Land and reclaiming the religious voice as a positive force for reconciliation in the region.”
Action Areas: Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism
Number of Members: 7
Location: Jerusalem, Israel
Joined URI Network: August 2007
Jerusalem Peacemakers are a family of peacemakers working together to bring peace to the city of Jerusalem and the world, seeking to unite the heavenly and earthly Jerusalem.
KHOYOOT CC
Making the world a safer, better place
“Our purpose is to expand the awareness of the importance of the Volunteering field for the youth in Eilaboun village.”
Action Areas: Youth, Environment, Health and Social Services
Traditions: Indigenous, Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Bedouin, Orthodox, Sunni, Catholic
Number of Members: 14
Location: Eilaboun Village, Israel
Joined URI Network: August 2010
Khoyoot Cooperation Circle (CC) believes change starts from inside—changing one’s self is needed in order to change the world. They want to build a better future for their children and the people in their village, Eilaboun, many of whom are Christians and Muslims. So far, members have organized a youth summer camp, several community service projects, interfaith visits—meeting people from different faiths in their village—and have hosted foreigners from different faiths at their houses. Mother’s day activity was organized, a Christmas market in the village was supported by volunteers of the CCs and youth groups were given lectures about nutrition in the past year.
MADA (HORIZON) CC
Bringing women together to create peace between religions within communities
“Our purpose is for women to bring their hearts together, to create peace locally within our community and our religions, to strengthen women religiously and to create cooperation among the religions in our local community.”
Action Areas: Women
Traditions: Christianity, Islam, Spirituality
Sub-Traditions: Druze
Number of Members: 50
Location: Daliat Ha Carmel, Israel
Joined URI Network: May 2010
Members of this Cooperation Circle (CC) live in a local community where there is often violence based on mistrust and fear between the different religious groups. Members believe that women can meet together to learn about religions within their communities to create harmony together and have a positive influence on their families and larger social circles. They hold regular meetings with different religious groups to get to know others and their customs so as to support women to create cultivate harmony between religious groups in their communities. They also hold large meetings with deep discussion about different religious holidays – sharing customs and rituals. Meetings with Jewish women’s groups from other communities are also held to strengthen connections between women in their local region and country – from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem — and to learn more about other religions. This CC is a program within the Daliat Ha Carmel Community Center and therefore are part of the Israeli National Community Center system and have access to meet regularly with twenty other Arab and Jewish community centers.
MENA JAM CC (MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA YOUTH LEADERSHIP JAM)
Our purpose is to create a platform for MENA Jam alumni to continue interconnecting and networking, taking tools and experiences from the gathering and bringing them into their daily lives.
The Middle East & North Africa Youth Leadership Jam (MENA Jam) CC is a network of diverse young and enthusiastic change-makers who are engaged and committed leaders from across the MENA region (including: Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Lebanon, Algeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Iraq) who are active in movements for sustainability, peace, interfaith dialogue, environment, human rights, women’s rights, social justice, refugee support, trauma recovery, etc. All members of the MENA Jam CC have shared the same deep and powerful experience of participating in or facilitating, a 7 day intensive Jam, and are interested in carrying this work forward in the MENA region. The MENA Jam creates a unique space for deep listening, sharing, self-discovery, systemic inquiry and community building. It allows for authentic dialogue about each participant’s struggles and dreams, and about the challenges and opportunities facing the region through the eyes of individual stories and experiences.
Members: 11
Traditions: Jewish, Islam Muslim, Baha’i, Maronite
Action Area: Youth, Women
Contact:
REGENERATION
Nurturing the minds and souls of diverse groups affected by regional conflict
“Our purpose is to promote innovative educational methods and conflict resolution training aimed at nurturing the minds and souls of Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Druze children in the Middle East living under chronic stress of regional conflict.”
Action Areas: Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Youth
Traditions: Spirituality, Judaism, Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Druze
Number of Members: 50
Location: Kiryat Tivon, Israel
Joined URI Network: May 2010
Regeneration is an interfaith non-profit seeding the Middle East with an educational philosophy that embraces life, learning, the arts, the earth and all the children.
Their two main programs are:
1. Paths to Peace: Members build bridges between Jewish and Arab children while supporting the holistic education of the whole child, the head, hand, and heart. They co-sponsor Jewish – Arab Paired Waldorf Classes which includes the first Arab Waldorf School in Israel and they also co-sponsor the first integrated Jewish Arab Bicultural/Bilingual Waldorf kindergarten.
2. Kindergarten Teacher Training: Through support from the Regeneration Foundation, Palestinian kindergarten teachers from the West Bank area of Jenin are receiving Waldorf Teacher training at the Harduf Arabic Teacher Training Program in the Galilee. The Waldorf educational method is used in classrooms around the world from London to Nepal and from Los Angeles to Tel-Aviv. These teachers learn how to create a warm and nurturing classroom and how through stories and other activities they can model respect for all human beings
THE ABRAHAMIC REUNION CC
Fostering global healing“Our purpose is use religion as a force for peace”
Traditions: Christianity, Islam, Spirituality, Judaism
Sub-Traditions: Druze
Number of Members: 15
Location: Sarasota, FL, Israel
Joined URI Network: July 2005
The Abrahamic Reunion Cooperation Circle (CC) brings the voice of the religious leaders of Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Druze communities to be heard as a force for rebuilding trust between our religious communities. CC members travel as a group to different parts of the world to give public forums, giving hope that peace in the Holy Land is possible. This CC was originally formed from an informal network of spiritual peacemakers who journeyed together to the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Barcelona in July 2005, and who held a founding retreat in Istanbul in September 2006. Since then, CC members hold over a dozen interfaith events in towns and villages across Israel. A typical event includes an interfaith dinner, discourse and prayer, and a public walk together through the town. The group also supports interfaith social projects such as emergency relief for people affected by violence, and a variety of interfaith projects spearheaded by individual members.
Women’s Interfaith Network of the Middle East and North Africa
Building an environment where women can work together and strengthen their unique peace-building qualities and demonstrate how to change attitudes and behaviors
“Our purpose is to learn together and share information about our religions, traditions, and customs in order to dispel stereotypes, avoid prejudice and mistrust, create sisterhood, and to act together effectively to enhance the cooperation and respect between religions in our region.”
Action Areas
Women
Traditions
Judaism, Islam, Spirituality, Christianity
Sub-Traditions
Druze
Number of Members
11
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Jerusalem, Israel
Joined URI Network
November 2003
Women’s Interfaith Network of the Middle East and North Africa (WIN MENA) Cooperation Circle (CC) was formed by Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Egyptian, Israeli, Jordanian, Palestinian, Tunisian women at the 2003 MENA Conference, with the goal of creating interfaith women’s solidarity and the opportunity to pursue joint activities. CC members regularly meet in conjunction with the annual MENA Region Conferences in Jordan. They hold a three day Women’s Interfaith Leadership Workshop in Amman. Additionally, they focus on promoting interfaith understanding and solidarity among women of the Abrahamic religions in our region.
Empowering Arab women to be community leaders
“Our purpose is to provide an opportunity for Arab women (Muslim, Christian, and Druze) to become leaders in their communities.”
Action Areas
Women
Traditions
Islam, Christianity, Spirituality, Judaism
Sub-Traditions
Druze
Number of Members
7
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Fureidis, Israel
Joined URI Network
May 2010
Women Reborn Cooperation Circle operates on two levels: the first is to educate Arab women to be community leaders, and the second is to hold monthly interfaith meetings of women of the four religions. CC members hold events, with upwards of 300 women, in honor of Women’s Month. The program features music and special guests who are community leaders. They hold TeenTalk programs for young women from their community paired with young women in Jerusalem from TRUST – Emun with meetings at centers in both cities to discuss religious issues relevant to young women with a woman rabbi and a sheikya.
Spreading the values of peace and justice
“Our purpose is to spread the word of moderation, centrism, justice, and balance.”
Action Areas
Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions
Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions
Catholic, Orthodox, Greek, Sunni
Number of Members
300
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Old City, Jerusalem, Israel
Joined URI Network
October 2007
Wasatia Cooperation Circle calls for regenerating the seed of love, peace, tolerance, that lies encoded in the spirit.
Demonstrating the sisterhood of women in leading the way towards reconciliation and healing of our conflicts
“Our purpose is to build trust and understanding among Israeli and Palestinian women – Muslim, Christian, and Jewish — through meeting in each others’ homes, visiting each others communities and performing service projects together, visiting each other’s holy places.”
Action Areas
Women
Traditions
Islam, Spirituality, Judaism, Christianity
Sub-Traditions
Druze, Sufi
Number of Members
10
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Jerusalem, Israel
Joined URI Network
October 2007
Trust WIN Cooperation Circle (CC) brings together Israeli and Palestinian women – Christian, Jewish, and Muslim – to empower each other, learn about each other’s religions, visit each other’s homes and communities, and build a better future for our children.
The SULHA Peace Project Cooperation Circle
Breaking down barriers to learn from and respect the richness of religious traditions
“Our purpose is to provide a group for the healing and reconciliation of the children of Abraham through developing a culture of coexistence between Arabs (Muslims, Christians, and Druze) and Jews.”
Action Areas
Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Youth
Traditions
Christianity, Islam, Judaism
Number of Members
12
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Jaffa, Israel
Joined URI Network
March 2008
Website
http://sulha.com/
The Sulha Peace Project Cooperation Circle (CC) is a grassroots organization, inspired by the indigenous process of mediation (Sulha). CC members rebuild trust, restore dignity and move beyond the political agenda. Working primarily on the grassroots level, they prepare people for peace from “bottom- up” and complement peacemaking efforts that are undertaken at the governmental and diplomatic level.
Bringing people together through music and songs
“Our purpose is to spread a message of peace, tolerance and acceptance by performing songs in Hebrew, Arabic and English for diverse audiences in Israel and around the world.”
Action Areas
Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions
Christianity, Islam, Judaism
Number of Members
12
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Jaffa, Israel
Joined URI Network
August 2009
The Voices of Peace Cooperation Circle choir spreads a message of peace, tolerance, acceptance and respect by performing songs in Hebrew, Arabic and English for diverse audiences in Israel and around the world. The choir meets for weekly rehearsals, and during the various holidays they spend time at members’ homes to learn about the customs and traditions of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian religions. Through music, they bring people from diverse backgrounds together and encourage dialogue through a mutual belief in peace, understanding and tolerance. They believe that music and songs can be moving and inspirational and can also bring people together.
The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development
Promoting and manifesting an inter-religious vision for environmental sustainability
“Our purpose is to access the collective wisdom of the world’s religions to promote co-existence, peace, and sustainability through education and action.”
Action Areas
Environment, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Number of Members
15
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Jerusalem, Israel
Joined URI Network
October 2013
Website
http://www.interfaithsustain.com/
The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD) Cooperation Circle promotes and manifests an inter-religious vision for environmental sustainability by encouraging the cooperation and training of religious leaders, teachers, and communities on ecological issues. CC members run interfaith-environmental conferences, eco-tourism programs in the Holy Land, faith and ecology workshops for women and for students of religion, online engagement on faith and ecology, and their own United Planet Faith & Science Initiative.
Developing attitudes and skills that foster peaceful resolutions to conflict
“Our purpose is to educate a new generation on peace and democracy so that we find and strengthen positive attitudes for peaceful coexistence among different nations as the basis of equality and justice.”
Action Areas
Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Youth
Traditions
Judaism, Christianity, Islam
Number of Members
10
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Bethlehem, West Bank (Via Israel), Israel
Joined URI Network
October 2004
The Hope Flowers School Cooperation Circle (CC) is a group formed through the common activities they perform at the Hope Flowers School. Through the School, CC members bring people together from different places, faiths, nationalities and from different cultures to work together on issues of joint interest and to unite in one culture of peace, justice and equality. They work to fulfill the United Religions Initiative purpose and principles by promoting these principles in their community and their work. Hope Flowers School offers inter- and intra-cultural understanding classes taught by both Christian and Muslim teachers, long-standing programs of bridge-building with Israelis, peace education and joint activities with schools outside of Palestine. Additionally, they develop attitudes and skills that foster peaceful resolutions to conflict. At the same time, they seek to cultivate values within the Palestinian society, relationships between Palestinian children and other cultures as a basis for creating understanding among peoples in the world and among nations.
Fostering cooperation between Jewish and Arab educators
“Our purpose is to promote the usage of Modern Standard Arabic language in Israel. “
Traditions
Judaism, Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions
Conservative, Armenian
Number of Members
15
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
East Jerusalem, Israel
Joined URI Network
December 2012
The Arabic Speaking Cooperation Circle (CC) promotes the usage of Modern Standard Arabic language in Israel. CC members invite those of the Jewish faith to become acquainted with and appreciative of Islamic culture, by studying language and literature. They study books written by Najib Mahfouz, an Egyptian writer and the winner of Nobel Prize for Literature in 1988. Coming together in this way promotes peace, one meeting at a time. A highlight of their work to date has been a deep sense of cooperation and enduring friendship between Jewish and Arab educators, despite escalating tension in the region.
Jordan
AL BADIYA FOR INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE
Conducting intercultural programs with international volunteers
“Our purpose is to promote intercultural understanding and global common action for global equal citizenship, respecting human rights, and building peace across the globe.”
The Al Badiya for Intercultural Dialogue CC (Al Badiya Center for Awareness and Voluntary Work) is a nonprofit organization that aims to empower Bedouin communities through capacity-building programs and enhancing their interactions with other Jordanian communities and foreigners. It is based in South Badiya (a semi-desert area) in the Province of Ma’an, South Jordan. It was founded in 2012 by Mr. Khalid Al-Jazi, an active social worker, in cooperation with a number of civic society activists in the neighboring cities and villages. The CC succeeded in fostering an intercultural understanding and cooperation between foreigners and Badiya communities. In a nutshell, the CC introduces people to Badiya Culture and empowers the people of Badiya. This is critically important given the struggles that the community faces. People only live on livestock (the soil is not suitable for growing crops), and there are limited resources and poor infrastructure (including schools and public services). The international volunteers program is the flagship program of the Al Badiya CC, where volunteers from overseas (mostly American students who would like to volunteer abroad) provide services to local communities such as teaching children English, entertaining orphans, cleaning the environment, helping the needy and the elderly, etc. The foreigner in return can learn more about Arabic language and culture. Moreover, the Al Badiya CC organizes workshops for local communities on startup projects, women rights, etc. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the Al Badiya CC managed to introduce other faiths to Al Badiya which is mainly Muslim Sunni, so its people became more aware of other religions in the world.
The Al Badiya CC breaks down the walls between Bedouin Muslims and other Muslims on one hand, and between Muslim and Christians on the other. They learn to transform stereotypes and perceived differences to mutual respect, cooperation, and relationship-building.
Action Areas: Environment, Health and Social Services, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Youth
Traditions: Muslim, Christian
Sub-Tradition: Muslim Sunni, Christian Greek Orthodox, Christian Roman Catholic, Bedwen tribes.
Number of Members: 25
Location: South Badiya, Ma’an, Jordan
Joined URI Network: December 2013
Feedback from an Al-Badiya member: “After years of hosting American volunteers, I can see the positive changes in my people attitudes toward foreigners in general and Christians in particular. Many stereotypes about western people and culture have been broken down. For example, people in Badiya used to think that western people are self-centered only care about themselves. Also, western people are atheist and do not respect Islam. After such unique experiences, they change such stereotype and have become more open to other cultures and religious traditions. Now they respect differences and appreciate diversity.
I would like to share a nice personal experience happened with one of the American volunteers who volunteered to help a widow in taking care of her livestock and teach her children English language (for a month). The widow burst out crying when the volunteer was saying goodbye to her. She told me “he is like my son and I get used to him, he is so helpful and kind, please ask him to stay longer.”
DESERT BLOOM
“We promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation between people of different cultures and faiths.”
“We develop people’s capacity to understand global and intercultural issues.”
Our purpose: To reinforce global competencies and universal morality to prepare people for an inclusive and sustainable world. We are keen to build community and youth capacity to enable all community members, including the most disadvantaged and marginalized, to take greater control of their own lives and to actively engage in confronting economic, political, social and environmental challenges.
We inspire future global leaders to work together to bring about innovative solutions to our common challenges.
We are keen to contribute to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The history of Desert Bloom’s founders goes back to around the end of the second millennium, when they established the “Self-Improvement & Community Service” initiative at the University of Jordan Alumni Club in February 2000. The initiative aimed at improving graduates’ lives and professional skills. The repercussions of the World Trade Center tragedy in 2001 incited the group to do something. Hence, they established the “Quested Peace Initiative” in February 2003 to restore trust and confront the growing hatred and misunderstanding between Western and Arab worlds. To enhance its global reach, Quested Peace joined the United Religions Initiative (URI) as a URI Cooperation Circle in January 2004. On July 7th, 2018, Quested Peace changed its name to Desert Bloom and the name was officially registered as a nonprofit organization in Jordan.
Established in February 2003 and joined URI Network in January 2004.
Action Areas: Youth, Cross Cultural Understanding, Community Capacity Building, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Civic Engagement, Community Service
Traditions: Islam and Christianity
Sub-Traditions: Sunni, Eastern Orthodox and Catholic
Number of Members: 24
Location: Amman, Jordan
GATHERING FOR HAPPINESS CC
Together we feel better
“Our purpose is to help people become more positive and constructive.”
Traditions: Christianity, Islam, Spirituality
Sub-Traditions: Druze
Number of Members: 7
Location: Al-Jubaiha, Jordan
Joined URI Network: November 2012
This group consists of Sunni Muslims, Christians and Druze. Members have been meeting informally together for some time, often sharing their love for the practice of yoga. Their experience has been that when people of varying faiths come together, individuals feel less isolated. When they reflected upon one of URI’s principles – the importance of respecting the wisdom inherent in each tradition – they decided to form a Cooperation Circle (CC). They hope to help others understand the necessity of cultivating respect for one other at the deepest level.
Recent activities: Money and clothes were raised for injured Gazans in the Hussein Medical Centre, Amman and collecting food and money to donate to the underprivileged during Ramadan. To celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week, a hike was organized around Amman and blankets were collected for Syrian refugees in Jordan. For the International Day of Peace, an entertainment program was conducted for 165 children who have hearing and/or visual impairments.
HUMANITY GROUP CC
Loving each other as human beings
“Our purpose is to live together in peace and harmony, loving each another.”
Action Areas: Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Orthodox, Catholic
Number of Members: 23
Location: Amman, Jordan
Joined URI Network: April 2007
Humanity Group Cooperation Circle (CC) in Jordan wants to instill in people that they are human beings regardless of their beliefs, origins, and traditions.
Activities:
- Skill-building projects in the fields of:
1. General Relationship-Building
2. Identity
3. Economic behavior
4. Environmental & health
- Celebrations on Mother’s Day and Alkarma Day
IRIS WOMEN CC
Promoting the rights of women on a national and international level
“Our purpose is to mobilize women for their rights and social leadership for a positive change in society and peace building.”
We work to build bridges of love and mutual understanding between all nations. We want to reach out to each other and form lasting friendships. It would be a greater freedom to stop hiding behind our arms and bravely stretch out a hand and offer an open heart.
We should raise above all differences and see our spiritual oneness. We should learn to love each other and to appreciate the nice things that people do, for if we keep talking about the good things, we will forget all the superficial differences that divided us.
If we go a little deeper, where is the black and where is the white? Where is the Muslim, Jew or Christian? The spirit has no white or black, no Muslim, Christian or Jew. This is the real spiritual life: talking in terms of spirit, love in terms of spirit, this is the real union of communication; we cannot communicate with GOD without having communication with our fellow beings.
We believe that we can’t change the whole world, but we are ambitious to make a little difference in people’s lives. We love, encourage, support, and hope for them, we must be the living example of God’s kindness by our smile and warm greetings.
Who we are: We are a group of Jordanian women locally rooted in our commitment to help our community and globally connected in our endeavor to promote world peace and intercultural understanding.
We respect the differences among faiths and traditions as we also appreciate elders and youth from different walks of life and faiths, but who share the same goals and aspirations, voluntarily willing to work hard for making our world better place.
Why Iris: The Black Iris of Jordan, a flower unique to this country, is a symbol of growth and renewal. We have chosen the black iris for its logo, to represent our values: Innovation, Respect Inspiration, and Social Services .
Goals & Objectives:
- Promote the rights of women on a national & international level by providing them with a strong voice. This voice is achieved through the formation of committees where educated females learn how to train and hold workshops for less educated women regarding human rights, issues of gender, and problem-solving
- Strengthen women’s groups through capacity building
- Help youth to maximize their potential by networking & helping each other to grow personally & professionally, to build a strong membership base of women from different walks of life
- Showing appreciations to elders by raising the awareness of local people in order to encourage their participation in community
- Promote a development ethos that is based in social justice, self-reliance, gender equality & good governance
Action Areas: Women, Youth
Traditions: Islam, Taoism, Christianity
Sub-Traditions: Sunni, Sufi, Orthodox
Number of Members: 8
Location: Amman, Jordan
Joined URI Network: January 2006
JORDAN INTERFAITH ACTION (YOUTH SPIRIT CENTER) CC
“Our purpose it to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue and social work and promote their concepts and importance through the community. JIA believes in the culture of peace and non-violence as language for dialogue and understanding. JIA also helps build bridges of understanding between youth from different cultural, economic, educational and religious backgrounds, break stereotypes, and promote the Jordanian example of coexistence and diversity.”
Action Areas: Human Rights, Interfaith Dialogue, Peace-building, Youth, Intercultural Dialogue and Community Service
Traditions: Muslim, Christianity
Sub-Traditions: Spiritual, Sunni (Ethnicity Cherkees), Sunni, Sufi, Catholic
Number of Members: 12
Location: Amman, Jordan
Joined URI Network: 2002
MASAR CC
Removing all religious, cultural, and socio-economic barriers among citizens worldwide
“Our purpose is to introduce interfaith dialogue to the Jordanian community and utilize our regional networks to create understanding and communication between Muslims, Christians, and Jews in the region.”
Masar Cooperation Circle (CC) is an organization composed mainly of youth who work in the fields of peace, co-existence and dialogue between Jews and Arabs. Members believe that religion can play a constructive role in creating communication and understanding among different peoples of the Middle East. This CC took part in the URI International Conference held in Jordan in September 2003, and since then has held many smaller meetings for Jordanian members of their network. Members organize meetings both for Jordanians and other activists to build on their current projects and initiatives.
Action Areas: Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Number of Members: 30
Location: Amman, Jordan
Joined URI Network: November 2003
MERCY
Serving youth with a spirit of mutual respect and empowerment regardless of background
“Our purpose is to to improve the quality of life and find a better future for the local community through the comprehensive social development.”
Mercy Cooperation Circle (CC) is a group of adults and youth that share the same goals and aspirations. Members are dedicated to relieving human suffering, developing the community and engaging in volunteer work to make their world a better place. They are willing to stand by the less fortunate youth and empower them through non-formal education, vocational training and creating hope for a better future. This CC serves youth with the spirit of mutual respect despite race, social class or belief. Their past activities include a football game competition for over 100 youth of all different ages and an Easter Egg Competition for school children to improve their painting talent, which members arranged at Schniller School with the help of volunteers.
Action Areas: Community Building, Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Catholic, Sunni, Shi’a, Maronite, Orthodox
Number of Members: 10
Location: Amman, Jordan
Joined URI Network: July 2007
ORPHANS & WIDOWS CARE
Empowering the women and orphans of Mafraq
“Our purpose is to empower women in the province of Mafraq—particularly the villages around the city of Mafaraq and other rural communities—and to take care of the orphans and widows in these areas.”
Jordan Association for Orphans and Widows Care Cooperation Circle (CC) is formed by a group of women who help their community by empowering women through socio-economic and cultural development. They help women start and build their own business, secure job opportunities, and encourage creativity and taking initiative. Members have traveled to Petra to encourage women and orphans to contribute to voting. They also hold orientation workshops about health care. This CC has secured vocational training for 30 orphans in cooperation with the National Program for Vocational Training to increase their job opportunities. Members also hold training workshops for physically challenged people to teach and train them on how to be positive and active in their communities and how to face their obstacles. They also organize Ramadan charity campaigns. This CC invited 30 families—native and Syrian refugees—to the association premises and distributed clothes, household appliances, blankets, bags, and children toys collected from several donors.
Action Areas: Humanitarian Aid, Community Building, Women, Children
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Orthodox, Sunni, Catholic
Number of Members: 34
Location: Mafraq, Jordan
Joined URI Network: April 2007
JORDAN SEEDS OF PEACE
Nurturing lasting relationships for peace
“Our purpose is to spread the idea of peace in the world, in our families, friends, and the region.”
Jordan Seeds of Peace Cooperation Circle (CC) dreams of going beyond international agreements and treaties. Members strive to see the human face of the enemy and nurture lasting friendships as basic steps for mutual understanding and respect.
Seeds of Peace sends teenagers (seeds) and delegation leaders (for each session) to Seeds of Peace Camps. The program aims to bring Arab and Israeli teenagers together before fear, mistrust and prejudice blind them from seeing the human face of each other. By training these young leaders in conflict resolution skills, Seeds of Peace helps them become the seeds from which an enduring peace will grow. Furthermore, Ramadani Iftar for orphans and food distribution for the needy people were organized as well as workshops for Seeds of Peace delegation leaders and Seeds.
Action Areas: Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Maronite, Catholic, Orthodox, Sunni
Number of Members: 56
Location: Amman, Jordan
Joined URI Network: November 2006
Spreading peace and justice among nations
“Our purpose is to shed light on what is happening on the ground in Iraq.”
Action Areas: Community Building
Traditions: Islam, Christianity
Sub-Traditions: Shi’a, Sunni, Kurdish
Number of Members: 7
Region: Middle East and North Africa
Location: Amman, Jordan
Joined URI Network: May 2011
Voices from Iraq Cooperation Circle shares with the world the fears, dreams, and challenges that Iraqi youth, women, refugees, and children are facing. CC members enhance the life of Iraqi people inside and outside Iraq by administering relevant social projects.
Empowering children through education
“Our purpose is to find ways to provide the children of Amman with the help they need, regardless of religious affiliation.”
Action Areas: Women, Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Sunni, Orthodox
Number of Members: 10
Region: Middle East and North Africa
Location: Amman, Jordan
Joined URI Network: July 2008
Save Our Souls Cooperation Circle demonstrates solidarity with children by empowering them through education, vocational skills and inspiring hope for a better future.
Lebanon
ADD FOR LIFE
Action of Dialogue & Development for Life (ADD for Life) CC
Inter-religious dialogue as a tool to free students from stereotypes
“Our purpose is to promote peace building, equal citizenship, and human rights by creating common spaces for dialogue to be catalysts for peace, with a focus on youth.”
Action Areas:Community Building, Education, Environment,Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Spirituality
Sub-Traditions: Catholic, Druze, Maronite, Shiite, Sunni
Number of Members: 7
Location: Aley, Lebanon
Joined URI Network: January 2014
ADD for Life raises awareness on the grassroots level (Youth, CSO,…) on religious pluralism, geopolitics of religions and interfaith relations. In addition, they have introduced educational policies and programs in national schools. These education programs promote inclusive citizenship for religious diversity and the coexistence necessary to develop communication for the promotion of ADD for Life’s concepts and values. They have also developed a methodology to assess the effectiveness of intercultural and interfaith programs.
“In interfaith dialogue we always need to define dialogue that it is a way to exchange information & experiences & it’s not a way to defeat others opinions or faith & it does not aim to change others opinions.”
LEBANESE INTERFAITH INITIATIVE CC
Workshops and Conferences about Human Rights and Interfaith
“Our purpose is to create a common platform for Lebanese youth to interact, communicate and develop dialogue skills in areas related to interfaith.”
Action Areas: Youth, Civil Engagement, Social Service, Human Rights, Interfaith Dialogue, Peace-Building, Environment
Traditions: Christianity, Islam, Spirituality
Sub-Traditions: Maronite, Sunni, Shi’a, Druze
Number of Members:10
Location: Saida City, Lebanon
Joined URI Network
September 2009
This Cooperation Circle (CC) believes that as members they must work cooperatively with all organizations which meet their objectives and aspirations to build more projects about solidarity, youth participation, inclusion and importance of citizenship initiatives. This CC: spreads awareness among all Lebanese youth on pluralism, democratic rule, interfaith dialogue, transparency, human rights’ education, and gender equality through workshops, multimedia tools, and advocacy campaigns; gathers Lebanese, Arab and Middle Eastern youth from all sects, religions, ethnicities, and non-partisan groups to discuss and solve cultural and religious clashes; trains young activists on leadership, intercultural conflict resolution, and peace building in an attempt to help them become initiators in their own communities; and advocates for human rights education as the first and essential guarantee for transition toward full democratic Middle Eastern societies.
Recent activities were:
- Giving donations to poor people during Ramadan
- Small conference about Human Rights during the international days activities
- And others
“Our motivation lies in the belief that only through unity will the Lebanese community, cooperation, and culture thrive in Lebanon.”
Libya
MAKERS OF HOPE CC
Catalyzing a culture of dialogue in Libya through the practice of professional and ethical conflict-sensitive reporting
“We are an organization of young male and female community leaders, from different disciplines, who are active in the fields of human rights, environmental issues, minority rights, and women’s rights in Libya.”
Action Areas: Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Number of Members: 9
Location: Tripoli, Libya
Joined URI Network: September 2015
Makers of Hope for Human Rights (SHM) is a foundation led by young leaders that was established in 2013. The group is formed by young male and female community leaders who are active in the fields of human rights, environmental issues, minority rights, and women’s rights. Their work focuses on a project called Women, Peace and Security, which emphasizes the importance of women’s leadership and political involvement in peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected countries. Members are equipping both young women and men in monitoring community security to hold the Libyan government accountable for establishing the rule of law and human rights. In this way, female and male young community leaders work in a collective spirit for a common goal that envisions Libya as a state in which women’s rights—as part of human rights—are adhered to. The two Dutch NGOs collaborating on this project—Cordaid and Human Security Collective—bring significant development and advocacy experience into this project. Members use media platforms to access and share information, express opinions, improve campaign outreach, build new networks and advocate for community security. The ultimate goal of the project is to strengthen community security through young community leaders in monitoring human security in their own communities. Messages involving dialogue, reconciliation and non-violent conflict resolution, as a result of the work of this Cooperation Circle (CC), will be more widely disseminated among the Libyan public.
YOUTH FOR THE FUTURE CC
Group of youth people from different background and culture trying to make different in the area that they live in.
“Our purpose is to create a comment ground for the youth and the women to try to make their country a better place to live in”
Action Areas: Children, Peace-building, Women, Youth
Traditions: Islam, Atheist, Buddhism
Members: 5
Joint URI-Network: June 2015
Youth for the Future CC was funded after a group of people from different countries, culture and religions talked about how good they are with each other, how they respect each other and how wonderful it would be to show the world, that it doesn’t matter where you come from – all that matter is, that we are all human and we all come from Adam and Eve.
They want to create a peaceful community that everyone can live in without been judged from other people or get harmed for his own religion or Spiritual beliefs.
In this area of the Earth there is so much conflict. Youth for the Future CC believes that the main reason for these conflict is the misunderstanding between religions – even in between the same religion like Islam. This is the reason why this CC sees the need to make people understand that, what people are doing and what they think about other religions, its wrong and they have to know the truth about it.
One of the founders:
“I always thought, that as Muslim guy, it’s important to understand other religions because people get fearful from the thing that they don’t understand.”
Mauretanien
WE ARE SOME
Showing that difference does not prevent harmony
“Our purpose is to show that all Mauritanian are same despite all the differences.”
Action Areas: Community Building, Health and Social Services,Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam, Humanism
Number of Members: 7
Location: Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Joined URI Network: September 2015
We Are Some Cooperation Circle (CC) is made up of people from different ethnic groups in Mauritania. CC members work together in hopes to show that all Mauritanians can work together despite their differences. CC members host seminars for Mauritanians of different cultures and different ethnic groups. They plan activities and discussions related to social change.
Morocco
CULTURAL EXCHANGE
Moroccan Youth Forum for Cultural Exchange and Scientific Research CC
Supporting cultural exchange among young people in Morocco
“Our purpose is to contribute to the formation of a new generation of leaders of this community, and to build a prosperous future for our Morocco.”
Action Areas: Education, Youth
Traditions: Indigenous, Cultural, Judaism, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Amazigh, Arab
Number of Members: 30
Location: Marrakech, Tansift al haouz, Morocco
Joined URI Network: September 2015
This Forum is from and for youth. It aims to effectively support the development of Moroccan society and increase the cultural awareness of youth—individuals and groups. The Forum aims to support cultural exchange among young people to serve as a bridge between young people from different nationalities, religions, and intellectual and ideological orientations. In addition, the Forum is a space for scientific research. It looks forward to introduce Moroccan students to the importance of scientific research and help them understand how it is linked to the future of Morocco and the development of Moroccan society. Participants of this Forum want scientific research to go beyond universities, but opened to active institutions in fields at the national, regional and international levels so that all may benefit from their experiences.
This Cooperation Circle (CC) has been pretty active in organizing a huge body of activities. One of their activities, entitled “Peace for Everybody,” was created for children to better broaden and deepen their understanding about the concepts of peace and tolerance. Another activity this CC organized, in partnership with the Regional Academy of Education and Formation, was a project called “SPEEK.” This project was directed to high school students with the intention of making them productive as well as creative students. An Educational Congress was also conducted by this CC in partnership with AIESEC, through which more than 80 university students and experts in education were welcomed to better discuss the issue of education in Morocco. This duo also organized an activity called “World Wild Classroom,” where free classes were given to Moroccan as well as foreign university students on different languages. “Medical Caravan” was a project where CC members distributed medicines and medical needs in different rural areas, with help from the Center of Development. Finally, this CC, in partnership with NAIMUN as well as the Wilaya of the Region of Marrakesh received more than 150 NGOs from different countries to discuss economy and education in Africa in a Model United Nation Conference.
DIALOGUE FOR PEACE CC
Building peace among different faiths in Morocco and the Middle East
“Our purpose is to build peace and resolve conflict by promoting dialogue and tolerance among different multicultural and interfaith communities.”
Action Areas:Community Building, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Number of Members: 7
Location: Morocco
Joined URI Network: June 2013
This group of Arab Muslim Sunnis, Jews, Amazigh (Tashelheet, Tamazighet, and Tarefeet) and Sahrawis (nomads) come together to increase their understanding about the importance of intercultural dialogue to build peace and respect among people of different faiths. Members have participated in international gatherings that bring Arabs and Israelis together to work collaboratively in achieving peace in the Middle East. Some are members of YALA, an initiative that uses social media and technology to bring young people together to build an online academy and an online musicians’ forum, as well as organizes sports and cultural activities. They are active in Euro-Arab and Euro-med intercultural exchanges and dialogue.
MICD CC
Al Mostaqbal Institute for Citizenship & Democracy (MICD)
Dreaming of peace in the Holy Land of Palestine
“Our purpose is to work together for more understanding between all the religions and to look for commonalities to be able to collaborate amongst ourselves and within our communities.”
Number of Members: 8
Region: Middle East and North Africa
Location: Morocco
Joined URI Network: October 2007
SALAM SHABAB CC
Salam Shabab CC
Empowering youth to foster cultures of peace
“Our purpose is to work together for one world and new life.”
Action Areas: Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Youth
Traditions: Islam, Judaism, Spirituality, Christianity
Sub-Traditions: Shiite, Sunni, Druze
Number of Members: 7
Location: Tiflet, Morocco
Joined URI Network: October 2008
Salaam Shabab Cooperation Circle (CC) is made up of young people who mobilize for peace both nationally and internationally. CC members collaborate with the Anna Lind Foundation for Euro- Mediterranean intercultural dialogue and civilization to administer national youth meetings for Moroccan peacebuilders. With the support of Moroccan media, they administer peace education courses for children ages 8-16 years. Additionally, they collaborate with David Adams of the Culture and Peace Alliance of Civilization to create an international report on the culture of peace. Their peacebuilding work includes organizing a summer camp in Turkey for 120 young adults from over 50 countries on the theme of creating cultures of peace.
Palestine
NON VIOLENT COMMUNICATION
Palestinian Association for Non Violent Communication
A community of understanding between religions and races with no violence
“Our purpose is to work towards a community with no violence in peaceful coexistence, do understand each other and be understood.”
Action Areas: Children, Environment, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Interfaith Dialogue and Spiritual Deepening
Traditions: Islam, Christianity, Judaism
Sub-Traditions: Sufi
Number of Members: 20
Location: Ithna, State of Palestine
Joined URI Network: May 2016
With the desire to build a community of understanding between religions and races, this Cooperation Circle (CC) is training Palestinians and Israelis in nonviolent communication. Members met during a Non-violence Education Training course in Palestine and decided to form a group together. They also travelled together to Seattle, US for a follow up course. They meet every month as a group and give training to different target groups in non-violence education. Members have become trainers in the field of non-violence education. They conducted training together at Alaroub University for 2 weeks, give NVC trainings to children and women and organized trips to both sides of the conflict. This CC started with 8 members and is constantly growing.
PEACE CLUB CC
Palestinian Peace Club CC
Spreading a culture of peace and tolerance in the world
“Our purpose is to achieve peace in the world and especially in the Middle East.”
Action Areas: Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Number of Members: 8
Location: State of Palestine
Joined URI Network: May 2007
PEACE SOCIETY CC
The Palestinian Peace Society
Enhancing peace between different religions
“Our purpose is to build peace in the Middle East region and to break the stereotypes against the other and enhance constructive meetings between all faiths.”
Action Areas: Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Number of Members: 250
Location: Hebron, State of Palestine
Joined URI Network: November 2005
The Palestinian Peace Society Cooperation Circle promotes the ideology of peace, tolerance and non-violence among the Palestinian grass-roots. CC members arrange, attend and participate in any peace activities in or outside Palestine, to clarify the Palestinian sufferings, and to combat the bigotry and extremist, fanatic ideologies among the Palestinian Youth. They organize workshops, seminars, courses and meetings for the Palestinian public to understand their dilemma in a progressive way in order to think rationally about how to overcome the daily atrocities and agonies the Palestinian people endure
UNITED FOR PALESTINE
Uniting people despite their beliefs to spread joy, love and peace all over the world, and end all kind of violence
“Our purpose is to be united in order to serve our society and spread awareness about the issues that concern everyone.”
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Orthodox, Lutheran, Catholic
Number of Members: 8
Location: Bethlehem, State of Palestine
Joined URI Network: August 2010
United for Palestine Cooperation Circle (CC) members volunteer at summer camps for children and also earth day events. They participate in different workshops on gender awareness and resilience in Palestinian society, and also attended many of Volunteering for Peace United Religions Initiative CC’s activities in Palestine.
VOLUNTEERING FOR PEACE CC
Breaking the ice between the people of different faiths and reaching a point of friendship and full respect
“Our purpose is to spread the culture of peace, interfaith and non-violence in the world and creating a bridge between Muslims and Christians in Palestine.”
Action Areas: Environment, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Sunni
Number of Members: 10
Location: Hebron, West Bank, Palestine Territory, State of Palestine
Joined URI Network: April 2007
Read the Cooperation Circle profile.
Volunteering for Peace Cooperation Circle (CC) is a Palestinian non-governmental organization that participates in establishing a bridge between the different faith groups in Palestine. CC members are active in the field of non-violence and peace building. They organize different workshops, training programs and exchanges in topics related to interfaith, non-violence, peace building, conflict resolution, intercultural learning and other topics. They host “The Volunteering for Peace”-Exchange Program Sharing Perspective II in Hebron, Palestine which is an exchange for 20 Dutch students and 20 Palestinian students to share ideas about culture and faith. Volunteering for peace CC hopes to build a bridge between the Palestinian different faith groups and establish contacts with international organizations. They dream at ending up religiously motivated violence.
WASATIA CC
Spreading the values of peace and justice
“Our purpose is to spread the word of moderation, centrism, justice, and balance.”
Action Areas. Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions. Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions. Catholic, Orthodox, Greek, Sunni
Number of Members. 300
Location. Old City, Jerusalem
Joined URI Network. October 2007
Wasatia Cooperation Circle calls for regenerating the seed of love, peace, tolerance, that lies encoded in the spirit.
WE ARE PALESTINE CC
Fostering a diversified interfaith community full of peace
“Our purpose is to create an interfaith culture between the Palestinian youth.”
Action Areas: Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Orthodox, Sunni, Catholic
Number of Members: 10
Location: Hebron, State of Palestine
Joined URI Network: May 2011
Palestine Cooperation Circle (CC) is a group of university students and graduates who meet together for one objective: to create change in their community by organizing joint activities for youth. One of the main activities they organize is a visit to the SOS Children Village in Bethlehem. Additionally, they organize fun days for the children there with games and various activities. CC members participate in International Day of Peace 2010 on the 21st of September in collaboration with volunteering for Peace CC in Bethlehem.
WOMEN FOR PEACE SOCIETY CC
Palestinian Women for Peace Society CC
Living together in justice, peace and mutual respect as humans
“Our purpose is to build mutal understandung and trust among women of the religions in our area”
Action Areas: Environment, Women
Traditions: Indigenous, Islam, Christianity
Sub-Traditions: Palestinian Beduins, Sunni
Number of Members: more than 90
Location: Hebron, West Bank, State of Palestine
Joined URI Network: May 2010
Palestinian Women for Peace Society runs activities to empower Palestinian women politically, economically, socially and medically in cooperation with other women from adjacent countries and abroad. This Cooperation Circle (CC) teaches members that humanity is the most precious thing, and that one must struggle for it—despite race, religion or identity. Their most memorable activity was their first meeting with Jews from Israel. All the participants were speechlessness and skeptical initially, but were able to engage with each other once the facilitator broke the ice between the two groups. Participants spent three days together in a humble resort called “Peace Oasis” in Latroun-Middle Israel/Palestine, where they got to know each other. Their plans to pursue such activities helps actualize the dreams of CC members to live together in justice, peace and mutual respect.
YOUTH FOR PEACE CC
Palestinian Youth for Peace CC
Changing the world through peaceful activities
“Our purpose is to sprout the ideology of religious tolerance in the Middle East region and especially in Palestine.”
Action Areas: Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Number of Members: 51
Location: West Bank-Palestinian Authority, State of Palestine
Joined URI Network: June 2008
Together for Peace in Palestine
Our work will support the world’s efforts in promoting peace and human rights.
We promote understanding between people of different faiths in Palestine so that we can live together peacefully and accept our differences.
Action Areas
Education, Human Rights, Indigenous Peoples,Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Traditions
Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions
Anglican, Baptist, Catholic
Number of Members
8
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Bethlehem, State of Palestine
Joined URI Network
June 2018
Members of Together for Peace in Palestine Cooperation Circle are engaged in several peacebuilding and interfaith activities and are connected to URI in different ways. They live in a conflict zone and believe the cause of conflict is the opposite of interfaith. They aim to build interfaith as a method of life, and in this way reduce violence and bring peace and justice to the area. Members are volunteers in the search to give the best to their community. They are active in different fields and feel drawn to bring their energy into one place.
Syria
DEBATE CLUB CC
Real peace based on justice and respect
“Our purpose is to empower Syrian youth by engaging them in debates that tackle issues of their interest as well as involving them in international multicultural exchanges and peace building camps.”
Action Areas: Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Catholic, Sunni, Orthodox, Greek
Number of Members: 14
Location: Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
Joined URI Network: December 2007
Tunisia
CLUB UNESCO ALECSO BARDO CC
Club Unesco Alecso Bardo CC
Envisioning peace throughout the world
“Our purpose is to promote intercultural dialogue, peace building, and building bridges between religions.”
Action Areas: Interfaith/Intercultural Understanding and Dialogue
Traditions: Islam
Sub-Traditions: Sufi, Sufi Shi’a, Sunni
Number of Members: 7
Location: Tunis, Tunisia
Joined URI Network: September 2009
Club Unesco Alecso Bardo (CUAB) is a cultural and artistic association that works for the promotion of UNESCO’s ideals in the field of culture, education and science, CUAB’s mission is to foster a culture of peace through dialogue among civilizations and to promote young creation. As a Cooperation Circle (CC), they wish to establish a spirit of friendship, peace and co-operation among people regardless of religion, sex, color or language. Their main objectives: to train young people on cultural and social aspects; to create animation of the cultural activities in the city Bardo; to protect cultural and natural heritage; to protect the environment; to empower young people; to disseminate the spirit of non-formal education; and to promote cultural learning.
PEACE FOR ALL
Dedication to serving our community by empowering people to make our country a better place
“Our purpose is to build culture of peace and tolerance among people, particularly the youth. “
Action Areas: Community Building, Education, Environment,Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Humanism, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Secular
Number of Members: 7
Location: Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
Joined URI Network: September 2017
Their activities include: youth empowerment through engaging young people in capacity-building programs; interfaith dialogue “debates about religions”; cultural exchanges including organizing/co-organizing EuroMed/ Erasmus+ projects; publications, research, analysis, and studies related to youth empowerment, intercultural understanding, women’s empowerment, and religious tolerance. Their goals are: to support youth integration in society through improving their economic and social skills; to form open spaces for exchange and dialogue between people of different religious traditions; and to improve awareness of human rights and intercultural understanding through publication of materials, documents, and stories, and to share them with the world to share experience and inspire others.
SANABEL TOUNSIA
Advocating for conflict-resolution and diversity within communities
“Our purpose is to prevent violence and promote peaceful co-existence and early conflict resolution to give children better opportunities.”
Action Areas: Community Building, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Women, Youth
Traditions: Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions: Protestant, Catholic
Number of Members: 1000
Location: Nabeul, Tunisia
Joined URI Network: September 2016
Sanabel Tounsia Cooperation Circle (CC) is made up of highly motivated social activists from different professional and educational backgrounds participating in projects aimed at sensitizing communities against violence, promoting world peace, and increasing intercultural dialogue among young people from different countries. After the political transition in Tunisia, there is a heightened need to unite people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds to work hand in hand to rebuild the country. CC Members work on creating social awareness among citizens through campaigns, projects, and activities to promote national and international mobility, empower women, and increase their integration into civil society. They develop programs for environmental education and intercultural dialogue among young people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Members regularly interact with Tunisian stakeholders to defend the rights of the minorities and oppressed people, especially women. They organize interfaith dialogue forums to promote human rights, dignity, and peaceful coexistence, and run childhood education activities and intercultural exchanges.
TOL’ART
Promoting tolerance, respect of diversity, and interculturality through dialogue and arts
“Our purpose is to promote tolerance, respect of diversity, and interculturality through dialogue and arts.”
Action Areas: Arts, Community Building, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Women, Youth, Youth
Traditions: Islam, Christianity, Atheist
Number of Members: 7
Location: Tunis, Tunisia
Joined URI Network: October 2015
TOL’ART Cooperation Circle (CC) members believe in diversity and coexistence. They also believe that humanity is one family regardless of religion or race. They respect each other’s different backgrounds and promote inter-culturalism as well as the exchange of ideas and experiences through the arts. CC members organize projects that promote capacity building among youth and young women. One of their main projects includes an annual World Peace Day celebration, in which they partner with cultural exchange programs between Tunisian and European youth. Additionally, they organize a consciousness-raising campaign against irregular migration for teenagers, youth and their families. A highlight of their work includes the TOT: the Training of Trainers course on non-violence and inter-cultural dialogue between Tunisian and Palestinian youth.
TOLERANCE AND ANTI-VIOLENCE STUDIES
Andalus institute for tolérance and anti-violence studies CC
Creating a concept of citizen journalism away from hate speech
“Our purpose is spreading the culture of tolerance through fighting and antagonizing cultural intolerance, racial intolerance, sexual intolerance, political intolerance (democracy), and religious intolerance.”
Action Areas: Health and Social Services, Media
Traditions: Islam, Atheist, Christianity
Sub-Traditions: Sunni
Number of Members: 7
Location: Kasserine, Tunisia
Joined URI Network: February 2014
With the hopes of spreading a culture of tolerance in Tunisia, members of this CC arranged a meeting for 30 bloggers from across Tunisia to come up with a charter/code of ethics to ensure that they will not spread rumors or fake news, as well as not promoting violence. They also ran a campaign to spread awareness about the HIV (AIDS) disease, organized a rap music party for 120 youth, and spread AIDS awareness. They organized capacity building for newly established non-profit organizations, teaching them how to blog and publish their work on social media. This group’s most memorable moment was spending time with talented but impoverished youth, helping them create art. CC members’ future plans include creating more films about youth in neglected areas in order to have their voices heard across the country. They also hope to establish a radio show to unite the youth.
United Arab Emirates
MIDDLE EAST YOUTH NETWORK CC
A network of young people actively breaking down stereotypes
“Our purpose is to build a network of young people from the Middle East with young people from the West in order to learn from each other’s traditions, religions and cultures to promote understanding and peaceful living with each other.”
Action Areas: Youth
Traditions: Islam, Christianity
Sub-Traditions: Sunni, Shiite, Orthodox
Number of Members: 13
Location: Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Joined URI Network: October 2007
Middle East Youth Network Cooperation Circle (CC) wishes to break down current stereotypes about Muslims in the West and Westerners in the Islamic World. Members believe that this would help with the creation of a peaceful coexistence and an endless ceasefire among all nations.
Yemen
Spreading peace and harmony among people of different religions in Yemen
“Our purpose is to spread peace among religions.”
Action Areas
Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Youth
Traditions
Christianity, Islam
Sub-Traditions
Shi’a, Sunni, Zaidis
Number of Members
12
Region
Middle East and North Africa
Location
Sanaa, Yemen
Joined URI Network
November 2014
Website
http://www.yop-ye.org/
Youth of Peace Cooperation Circle (CC) is based out of Yemen. CC members restore the tolerance between Yemeni from different faiths through organizing entertainment and sport activities involving followers of all faiths in Yemen enabling them to spend quality time together. Additionally, they visit the elderly during Eids, organize entertaining trips and a marathon for disabled people.
CHARTER FOR COMPASSION
We are building a bridge between different sects and religious traditions in our region to solve the problem of intolerance in Yemen.
We aim to spread a culture of mercy, peace, and cooperation among diverse communities in Yemen.
Action Areas
Community Building, Education, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Women, Youth
Traditions: Islam
Sub-Traditions: Sunni, Zaidis, Shi’a
Number of Members: 77
Location: Sanaa, Yemen
Joined URI Network: March 2018
In order to transform religiously-driven conflict in Yemen, Charter for Compassion has gathered people from various religious and cultural backgrounds so that they get more acquainted with each other and achieve peace on the ground. Through dialogue, they become aware of the preciousness of diverse cultures, and people can appreciate each other’s cultural richness. Members believe that strengthening openness and curiosity for each other is crucial to pave the road for peaceful coexistence as it leads to social cohesion, friendship and cooperation. They hold training courses for the community, especially for young people, to acquaint them with peace, interfaith cooperation, love and respect of people, and to distance people from sectarianism and radicalism. They engage school children and university students in volunteer work and community service, holding sessions in which the participants exchange their opinions and listen to each other. They are also engaged in shared humanitarian activities, such as helping the displaced people because of war in Yemen. They provide physical and emotional support, being the only local group that provides emotional support for war victims in Yemen. Promoting a culture of mercy, peace and cooperation between communities in conflict is a highlight of their work. They have experienced how people accept each other and become friends when they talk to them.
