The Largest Interfaith Israeli–Palestinian Iftar in the West Bank : A Message of Unity and Courage in a Time of Division

In a rare historic moment, nearly 1,000 people—Palestinians and Israelis, Muslims and Jews, Christians and Samaritans—gathered around a single Iftar table, transcending the walls of conflict and political and religious divisions. “Believing that justice, equality, freedom, and security are the rights of every Palestinian, Israeli, and every human being on this earth.” Amidst the ongoing war and escalating tensions, this event served as a powerful reminder that humanity comes before differences and that dialogue and coexistence are still possible, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Mohamad is driven by a clear vision: Palestinians are a people of love and peace, and true peace in the Holy Land cannot be achieved without ensuring freedom, justice, and equality for both peoples. Throughout his journey, he has represented numerous international organizations, speaking about the suffering of his people. However, he firmly believes that Arabs and Jews are not enemies and that many on both sides reject the oppressive policies of their governments and political organizations.

The Journey of Preparation: A Two-Month Challenge 
From the moment the event was confirmed, Palestinian peace activist Mohammad Mahmoud Jamous worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this unprecedented gathering. As the lead organizer of the Iftar, he coordinated the efforts of dozens of volunteers from both sides, launching a private WhatsApp group that brought together Arab and Jewish activists who worked together to secure the venue, organize activities, and coordinate with security officials to ensure the safety of all participants.

Invitations were extended to Palestinian and Israeli organizations, as well as religious leaders from different faiths, who responded to the call with a unified message: coexistence is not just a slogan but a reality that can be achieved with sincere effort.

The Event: A Moment of Uniting Hearts
On the evening of March 25, 2025, the historic Iftar took place in the area of Deir Hajla near Jericho, where participants from various regions arrived, some traveling for hours to be part of this unique occasion. The event began with welcoming words from Mohammad Jamous, who emphasized the significance of this initiative in promoting peace among different religions and communities.
Speakers from different faiths took the stage, with the Iftar opening with Islamic and Jewish prayers, followed by remarks from a Samaritan community representative and Christian peace activists, and several figures represented their organizations and institutions.”

As the sun set, the call to prayer echoed from a sheikh from Jerusalem, marking the start of the fast-breaking meal, while the sound of the shofar (Jewish ceremonial horn) filled the air—a symbolic act of unity despite theological differences.

After Iftar: A Unified Prayer and a Message of Hope

In an unprecedented scene, Muslims and Jews stood side by side, each performing their prayers in an atmosphere of mutual respect and brotherhood. Muslims performed the Maghrib prayer while Jewish participants recited their evening prayers, forming a powerful image of the possibility of coexistence.  The evening continued with artistic and cultural performances, including shared songs promoting love and peace, followed by an open discussion on ways to enhance collaboration between diverse communities.  The Power of Music in Unity: Following the Iftar and prayers, the gathering featured a special musical performance that became a symbol of unity and shared humanity. Palestinian and Israeli participants stood together to sing songs of peace, love, and hope, transcending their differences through

Global Impact: Virtual Participation from Around the World
The event was not limited to those physically present, as many activists and religious leaders from different parts of the world joined via Zoom, offering messages of support and admiration for this bold initiative. Speakers emphasized the need for such efforts to continue, highlighting that peace is not achieved solely through politics but through genuine human relationships.

Zoom Participation and Global Impact: The historic Iftar gathering reached beyond the attendees present in Jericho, as individuals from all over the world joined via Zoom. Activists, religious leaders, and thinkers from diverse countries expressed their admiration for this initiative and sent words of encouragement to those on the ground. This virtual participation amplified the event’s impact, allowing global voices to unite in support of peace and coexistence. It also served as a platform to inspire future efforts towards building a lasting peace, showing that technology can bridge geographical and political divides.

Honoring Mohammad Jamous: A Bridge of Peace Between Peoples 
At the end of the event, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Mohammad Jamous in recognition of his efforts in building bridges between Palestinians and Israelis and overcoming challenges to make this historic gathering a reality. Attendees praised his determination, affirming that what happened in Deir Hajla is just the beginning of a long journey toward coexistence and peace and achieving just and real peace by bringing security and freedom to both peoples.”

Atmosphere of Respect and Mutual Understanding: The event was marked by a deep sense of respect for one another’s religious practices. As the call to prayer echoed through the gathering, Muslim and Jewish participants broke their fast together, with each group receiving food prepared according to their religious requirements. This mutual respect was further exemplified when, after the meal, Muslims and Jews stood side by side to pray in unison, breaking down the barriers often created by religious differences. This moment underscored the event’s central message: true unity can only be achieved through respect, understanding, and shared experiences.

About the “Children of Abraham” Initiative  
The “Children of Abraham” project is an international initiative aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Since its founding in 2019, the project has organized events in India, Uganda, Kenya, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia, bringing together Muslim and Jewish volunteers to work on joint humanitarian projects.

 Today, under the leadership of Mohammad Jamous, the project focuses on strengthening Palestinian-Israeli coexistence, with this interfaith Iftar being one of its most remarkable achievements.

A Message of Hope for a Shared Future
What took place on this day was not just an ordinary Iftar but a courageous step toward a future defined by dialogue instead of violence and cooperation instead of hostility. In a world filled with crises, this event proves that humanity can prevail and that peace is not just a dream but a goal that can be achieved through collective effort and determination.