Speech of Naftali Haleve

Dear Friends,

 

As speakers in this session today, we all claim to represent to one degree or another, various belief systems that are more or less different and defined by their own characteristics.

 

Also, whether we call it “Intercultural”, “Inter-Civilizational” or “Interreligious”, all of us here are personally involved in “Dialogue” studies for years, and if G-d wills, we will go along.

 

I will speak for myself when I say: We have not quite reached the desired result in this area, but I’m pleased to see that we went a long way and I’m happy to witness new “Dialogue” efforts around us.

 

We should keep in mind that “Dialogue” is an endless path of longing. It’s a fact that needs to be sustained.

 

I personally believe that we need to emphasize something very carefully: “Dialogue” is necessary and very important in this day and time, however “Dialogue” is only a tool, not the final goal.

 

“Dialogue” is only a way, albeit an important one, to achieve the goal of “Creating the Culture of Subsisting Together”, which will lay the groundwork for “Coexistence” and “Living Together” in peace and cooperation.

 

What I mean is: No matter how far the goal may seem, and no matter how much effort is required to reach it, we must avoid making the mistake of substituting any path with the final goal or making that path the ultimate destination.

 

The main purpose is “To Create a Culture of Peaceful Coexistence”. And “Dialogue” is just one of the paths. Just like education, just like understanding, just like mutual respect, just like justice and equal opportunity, in short, just like the humane and civilized approach that is a requirement of our time. You may as well consider all these items as bringing “Dialogue” to a higher level.

 

After clearing this up, I think we can focus on common attitudes to follow for increasing cooperation, and for eliminating racism, xenophobia, and intolerance.

 

Dear Friends,

 

Even those of us who most want the “Coexistence” culture to settle and develop, and who make the most effort for it, often consider it unnecessary to openly reveal their predictions about the ground on which “Coexistence” can rise. We express our opinion directly on the superstructure formations as if there is a definite agreement on this issue.

 

However, regardless of its form, the resistance and permanence of a structure cannot be evaluated independently of the ground on which it’s built. In other words, no matter how meticulously constructed, it is not possible to be sure of the sturdiness of the structure on an insufficiently strong ground against environmental conditions.

 

I will try to share with you how I wish to see these grounds from where I stand, and what kind of grounds are necessary for the establishment of this “Coexistence” culture. There is no doubt that these views of mine need to be enriched, complemented, and perfected. We hope and pray that the Almighty will be our guide and helper in this matter.

 

Dear Friends,

 

I believe that the culture of “Coexistence” can only exist in an environment where there is a common desire and will in this regard. After stating this as the loftiest and most indispensable element and hoping to ensure the existence of a common will on this issue, I would like to draw your attention to the following points:

 

I think one of the pillars of “Coexistence”, and perhaps the most important one, is the set of divinely sourced values coming from human experience, which we can define as “Universal Moral Values”, and on which our belief systems are based.

 

It’s not possible for social establishments and associations that are not connected to a moral values system to compensate for these deficiencies in any other way, even with laws.

 

In my opinion, one of the most important conditions for the formation of the “Coexistence” culture is “Ending Alienation”. Discriminating between “Me and those like me” and “Me and those who are not like me”, that is, “Others”, is the most fundamental obstacle to the formation of the “Coexistence” culture.

 

The logic behind “We are Right/They are Wrong” ultimately creates the contradiction between “Us” and “Them”. Since we are all created from the same substance, we must assume the fact that none of us have superiority or priority over another. Let’s never forget this.

 

I think that the most important foundations of social establishments and associations are “Mutual Behaviors” based on “Mutual Benefits” and “Mutual Concerns”. Establishing, developing, and maintaining a “Coexistence” culture is directly related to the extent to which “Mutual Behaviors” are being implemented with sincerity, dedication, and willingness. I believe that the key words here are: Sincerity, Dedication and Willingness. The culture of “Coexistence” can take root on such ground.

 

I am sure that we all agree that it is unnecessary to state that “Democracy”, “Globalization”, “Justice”, “Equality” and “Liberties” in the broadest sense are the basis for the creation of a “Coexistence” culture. However, I also would like to emphasize the concept of “Freedom of Thought and Faith”.

 

The “Freedom of Thought and Faith” cannot be evaluated as just being able to think freely and worship freely, it should also ensure all individuals to freely transmit their thoughts and beliefs in their daily lives without the slightest possibility of being discriminated. 

 

Some other crucial issues should also be underlined here: Fair share of income and economic prosperity, equality of educational opportunity, access to health and treatment facilities, radical fight against malnutrition and hunger, fighting against drug addiction, preventing violence against women and children, being up against terrorism, and especially against terrorism that center around ethnic and religious motifs.

 

I do not think that it’s possible to talk about being hopeful for the future until all this occurs, or at least until there is rock-solid confidence that all this will eventually happen.

 

Dear Friends,

 

If I should summarize my thoughts, not to exceed my time in this busy agenda, I would like to say that the foundations for the formation of a “Coexistence” culture strictly depend on the discovery of the “Mutual Areas” among people around the world, and their gradual development.

 

Humans are humans regardless of their gender, belief, race, skin color, nationality, or the region they live in. Although they may appear quite different at first glance, their needs are basically the same or very similar. More importantly, regardless of their gender, belief, race, skin color, nationality or location, human beings are created from the same substance, and no one has the right to act as superior to anyone, to exclude anyone, to humiliate anyone, or to alienate anyone.

 

If we wish to talk about a “Joint Message” to be delivered to the world, I think this message should include what I’ve just tried to mention here.

 

I would like to write “anger” on the rain so that it would go away with the wind.

 

I would like to write “hatred” on the snow so that it can be erased when it melts.

 

I would like to write “love” on children so that they can fill the world and bring the true peace.

 

So we have teach to our children just love not hate.

 

Thank you for listening and thank you for your patience.