Over 300 people attended the showing of  The Imam and The Pastor. on June 14th at the Beth Emeth Bais Yahuda Synagogue. The president of the Synagogue, Sheldon Serota warmly welcomed everyone in English and Arabic, acknowledging the Arabic speakers present.

Jews, Christians, Muslims and people from other faith traditions heard from religious leaders representing the three Abrahamic faiths, who spoke on the theme of building trust and peace among the nations.

Rabbi Jonathan Crane commented on the reconciliation between the Imam and the Pastor, saying "Their courage and compassion are meaningful precisely because each remains true to his own tradition without insisting that his is more valid than his neighbour’s. 

 Our common interest is to live among such neighbours who do not ridicule or look down upon us.  Our common interest is to live in a community where differences are not denigrated but rather celebrated. It is toward this common interest that we want to work.  May we have courage in this endeavour."

Pastor David Brubacher talked about Abraham's journey where he left his comfort zone in order to follow God with trust and peace. Pastor David focused on us following Abraham’s example by moving to know one another and seeking and building peace with trust.

Imam Hamid Slimi talked about the first murder when Cain killed his brother Abel and the affect of this action on humanity. He said this is not how God instructs us to live together.

The evening ended with music and Hebrew songs where we all held hands in a circle dancing together.

 Iman Al  Gharari