The highlight event took place today (Wednesday), January 28, 2026, at the Chalmi Shafei School in Acre, with the participation of religious leaders from all faiths in Israel – rabbis, imams, priests, and Druze leaders.
The event focused on educational activities for grades 9-12. During the event, a “Tree of Tolerance” was planted as a symbol of hope and a future for religious understanding. Workshops were also held on shared values of tolerance and acceptance of others. The event concluded with a panel where religious leaders answered students’ questions on interfaith tolerance.
The Ministry of Interior continues this initiative, which has been ongoing for years, aiming to instill values in the younger generation for better coexistence and a better life in the State of Israel. This is done through the Department of Religious Communities, which comprises approximately 330 imams who serve as leaders in their communities and lead daily activities in areas such as education, culture, sports, and leisure.
Lior Shahar, Director of the Administration for Special Functions at the Ministry of Interior: “In close proximity to Tu B’Shvat, the New Year for Trees, we chose to mark the highlight event by planting the ‘Tree of Tolerance.’ Just as we hope for the growth of the land and nature, so too do we work to deepen the roots of coexistence. The choice to hold this event specifically in Acre, and in collaboration with spiritual leaders from all faiths, is intended to send a clear message to the younger generation: what unites us is far greater than what divides us. We are planting today the values that will ensure a more tolerant and healthier society for all of us.”
Col. (Res.) Iyad Sarhan, Director of the Department of Religious Communities: “I see a daily mission in connecting communities, religions, and people. Our role is not merely administrative or regulatory – but first and foremost, it is value-based and social: to build trust, promote partnership, and ensure that every citizen and every community feels belonging, respect, and equal status. It is also important to see how genuine partnership between religious leadership, the education system, and local authorities creates real change on the ground – reducing tensions, strengthening trust, and fostering hope for the next generation.
On this occasion, I would like to thank our hosts from Acre, from Al-Shafai School, and the wonderful students who shared their feelings and their desire for coexistence with us.”
Sheikh Salman Amer, from the Druze Religious Council, said: “The divine will to create the world, and especially human beings, in different forms in His image, in different religions and in different places, and He gave us the principles of religion, love of God and the other, and love your neighbor as yourself. If we fulfill this commandment, the world will be at peace.”
Father Saba Hag, head of the Christian community in A’abulin, who participated in the day, noted: “Such meetings are vital for coexistence, tolerance, and a good future for our society and our children.
May we be blessed with more such activities with religious leaders from all faiths across the country that will help shape shared, tolerant, and forgiving values, each towards the other.”
Imam Ahmed Madah Kaboul noted: “I felt that the students were so thirsty to hear about the values of tolerance and love for the other.”
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