The Israeli soul of interfaith dialogue: why faith is central to Israel’s place in the region

by Rav Dr. Yakov Nagen

“For then I will turn to the peoples a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent.”- Zephaniah 3:9

Amid the noise of geopolitics, military strategy, and shifting alliances, the spiritual dimension of Israel’s regional role is often overlooked. And yet, I believe it is the deepest and most enduring. As a rabbi, a teacher, and the director of the Ohr Torah Interfaith Center and Blickle Institute, I have seen with my own eyes that when faith enters the conversation, not as a problem to be managed but as a foundation to be embraced, a door opens. Not just to peace, but to purpose.

The Hebrew Bible teaches us that Israel is not merely a land but a vision: “a light unto the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). This is not just a slogan. It is a call to spiritual leadership, rooted in humility, justice, and moral clarity. And, in a region where religion is too often invoked to divide, Israel must help illuminate how religion can also heal. Thus, this is the mission of interfaith dialogue. It is a mission that stretches beyond mere tolerance, but fuels deep engagement across identities. Precisely due to Israel’s Jewish character, not despite it, we can engage most meaningfully with our Muslim, Christian, and Druze neighbors.

Identity as a Bridge, Not a Barrier

Cynics often claim that conflict is driven solely by material interests. But I believe the deeper truth lies in identity. It is when identity is threatened, reduced, or erased that people lash out. True peace will not come by denying who we are since by showing that identity can connect rather than collide that is where true progress can come from.

At OTIC, we call this “connection before correction.” In our partnerships from Morocco to the UAE, interfaith Shabbats to joint prayer visits, and faith-based webinars and lectures, we never begin by debating theology. We begin by seeing the other as a reflection of the Divine Image. During these events, I am routinely called reminded of one of my most favorite lines from the prophet Malachi:

“Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us?” (Malachi 2:10)

A powerful example of this emerged during the recent Druze celebration of the annual holiday of Nabi Shu'ayb. The Druze honor the prophet Jethro known in Judaism as Yitro. Revered as Moses’ father-in-law and moral advisor (Exodus 18), he represents not just shared heritage, but shared wisdom. This is where our dialogue begins, not with vague universalism, but with concrete, sacred stories that bind our destinies together.

Enough With the Slogans

Many interfaith efforts collapse under the weight of slogans: “peace,” “coexistence,” “tolerance.” These are worthy ideals, but if they do not arise from genuine relationship, they remain hollow. Our work at OTIC aims to root interfaith dialogue in Torah values: Chesed (kindness), Emet (truth), and Achva (fraternity).

And we see results. From Bridges of Light gatherings in Jerusalem to joint religious seminars in Parma, Italy, and Ramadan-Eid iftars with Muslim scholars and sheikhs, we are building a new language. Not a diplomatic language, but a prophetic one, where each side is invited to bring their best self, in service of something greater than both. To be clear, this is not an erasure of difference. It is a celebration of difference.

As I said in Parma, “What makes a bouquet beautiful is not that the flowers are all the same. It is their diversity that reflects the radiant light of the One God.”

Israel’s Spiritual Role

If Israel is to truly fulfill its calling, it must not only speak the language of innovation and defense, but also the language of faith. Our neighbors do not just want an alliance of convenience. They seek a partnership of meaning. And we have much to offer: a tradition that has endured exile, persecution, and rebirth; a people that has returned to its homeland with a spiritual mission intact.

In realizing our mission, we must understand those around us as religiously minded people who also search for meaning. This includes even those who oppose the Jewish people. As we reach out, not just to those who agree with us, but also to those who share a longing for holiness, we begin to fulfill the promise of Isaiah: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)

Let This Be Our Legacy

Interfaith dialogue is not the fringe. It is the front line of redemption. Now is the time to treat it as such, with words, of course, but also with budgets, relationships, and a readiness to be changed by the encounter.

Let this be our legacy, and our light.

Article written by Rav Dr. Yakov Nagen

Director of the Ohr Torah Interfaith Center and Blickle Institute (website)

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