INTERRELIGIOUS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mimi Alperin, Chair

AJC has long been committed to strengthening understanding and communication across religious lines. The New York Chapter works to advance this goal by helping the Jewish community understand the concerns and sensitivities of other faith communities; communicating the concerns and sensitivities of the Jewish community to those of other faiths; and building relationships that provide a foundation for cooperation and mutual respect.

Presbyterian-Jewish Dialogue
Since 2004, the New York Chapter and Auburn Theological Seminary have co-sponsored a Presbyterian-Jewish dialogue group to increase mutual understanding of the place of Israel in the respective faith traditions. Originally created in response to the decision by the Presbyterian Church (USA) to consider selective, phased divestment from companies doing business in Israel,  the group is now exploring ways that Christians and Jews can work together to promote coexistence in the region.

Presbyterian-Jewish Trip to Israel

From February 19-26, 2006, 20 Presbyterian and Jewish clergy and lay leaders from New York traveled together to Israel.  Trip participants met with a diverse group of leaders, Israeli and Palestinian, Jewish, Christian and Muslim, from religious, academic, government, NGO, and business sectors. Together they explored the conflict from multiple perspectives and got to know Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers who are working together to promote coexistence and end suffering.

For more information about the trip, click to view the following documents:

•  Reflections by Dr. Diane Steinman, Executive Director, New York Chapter 

•  Sermon delivered by Rev. Dr. Katharine Henderson, Executive Vice President, Auburn
   Theological Seminary at Larchmont Presbyterian Church, March 19, 2006

•  Sermon delivered by Rev. Dr. Jon Walton, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church,
   March 5, 2006