Israeli Ambassador Calls For Religious Peaceful Co-Existence Across Beliefs.

By Ferdinand Olise

The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has called for peace, unity, and mutual respect across religious beliefs, emphasis that, mutual co-existence reflects respect, empathy, and shared purpose.

Speaking in Abuja at a Panel Discussion With Leading Religious Figures: with the theme, Co-Existence And Dialogue Among Abrahamic Faiths, Ambassador Freeman stressed the importance of choosing dialogue rather than hate, so as to find peace and love even in diversity.

“At a time when so many parts of the world are struggling with division and misunderstanding,
this conversation could not be more necessary. Coexistence is not simply the absence of conflict.
It is the presence of respect, empathy and shared purpose.

“It is about choosing dialogue over hate, building bridges rather than walls, and recognizing that our diversity can be a source of strength rather than weakness. In Israel, coexistence is not an abstract idea. It’s a lived reality.

“Every day, Jews, Muslims, Christians and Druze live, work and study side by side. In our hospitals, Arab doctors treat Jewish patients. In our Universities, students from every background learn together, and in our Parliaments, voices of every community help shape the nation’s future.

“Coexistence in Israel is not perfect, but it’s real, and we cherish it. Your presence reminds us that coexistence is not limited, and cannot be limited by borders; it is a universal value that connects people who choose to live; people who choose peace, even in difficult times.

“Beyond our borders, Israel’s commitment to coexistence and mutual peace has been powerfully demonstrated through the Abraham Accords, historic agreements that have brought Israel together with Morocco, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, in friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.

He said these accords have really changed the face of the Middle East, proving that peace between peoples is possible when they focus on peace.

“We focus on what unites us, and it is an honor to be joined by representatives of those countries today.
We in Israel continue to hope and work for the expansion of the Abraham Accords, so that more nations will join and serve for peace and prosperity.

“Here in Nigeria, we see a nation that mirrors that same aspiration; diverse, faithful, and full of promise.
Nigeria is facing hateful challenges. Attacks on Christian communities, and attacks on Muslim communities.
Each tragedy is a wound that must be healed. And healing can only begin through understanding and partnership.

“That is why this panel is so vital. It reminds us that peace does not begin in government halls, or international conferences; it begins in neighborhoods it begins in schools, in our places of worship, and in our hearts.

“As Israel and Nigeria continue to deepen our partnership in innovation, agriculture, innovation, education, security and dialogue, let us also strengthen our moral partnership. Our shared belief is that coexistence is essential to progress, security and hope. Let us commit anew to listening more, judging less,
and working together to build a society where difference is celebrated, and unity is protected.
That is how peace is sustained, that is how nations thrive, and that is the message that Israel stands in today.

In their different contributions, the panel discussants comprising prominent leaders form the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Communities called for peace and proffered more cordial way to promote mutual and peaceful co-existence among persons of religious diversities. They also called for shared moral duty, youth engagement, and grassroots leadership.

Bishop Wale Oke, Rabbi Manachem Chitrik, Rt. Rev. Dr. Duke Akamisoko, Imam Kabir Muhammad, Rabbi Israel Uzan, and Imam Muhammad Ashafa, spoke on the role of religious leaders in peace building, and how to promote mutual respect among inter-faiths.

Bishop Wale Oke of the Christian Association of Nigeria, who was represented by Archbishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa, urged that leaders to prioritize inclusivity, as well as, practice the peace and love they preach.

“What we are trying to practise is inclusiveness. If we decide to have a space to practise human existence together, then we will meet, work and achieve the peace we desire. He therefore urged the religious leaders to stand against division, strive, hatred, and seeing themselves as superior to others, as this can cause conflicts and disunity.

According to Imam Muhammad Ashafa, emphasised that, religious education is paramount, as well as unity, love, peace, and unity.

“By the time you graduate, you should go into the community to build, not to disagree. Religious leaders must teach what is more important to let youth engage in society irrespective of the faith we possess.

“We have convictions that our faith is complete and true,” he said, “but when people of faith come together, speak to each other and share on issues that matter to all of us freedom of practice, the welfare of youth, family life we show the world a living example of unity”, he said.

On his part, Rabbi Menachem Chitrik, representing the Jewish community, underscored the importance of tolerance among inter-faiths, mediation, in order to resolve any form of problems without crisis.

“The mediation and the negotiation process is on behalf of the people of law. Our leaders must be willing to stay and work through crises, not walk away. You have to be an example in your house, reflecting on the personal and educational work required to model respect across beliefs”, he said.

Also, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Duke Akamisoko, cautioned against using religion for selfish instead aor to cause problems.

“If we truly believe that God is one, and God created all of us, then why are we angry with ourselves?
we could have used religion to postpone the crisis, but because of people who use religion to manipulate political gain or economic gain, and for personal evil gain.
When it doesn’t favor you, you use your religion to cause problems for you and your friends. So it is a serious issue among us”, he said.

Imam Kabir Muhammad, cited example of peaceful coexistence, stating that it is beautiful when religious leaders carry everyone along to show which signifies an example of mutual respect, responsibility, and peace.

Also, Rabbi Israel Uzan, emphasised on impacting the future with love, peace, and understanding between one another.

The Embassy, religious leaders and participants at the occasion, underscored how peaceful co-existence can enhance togetherness, mutual respect, peace, and love, as religious leaders continue to carry out their functions accordingly.