Competence in addressing Antisemitism and Racism in Local Interfaith Councils
Dazwischen?
7 October 2023 has left deep tensions in interfaith forums. Discussions about the Middle East conflict remain emotionally charged and often end in silence. At the same time, many local interfaith councils and local municipalities lack clear procedures for dealing with religion-related discrimination and conflict situations.
„Dazwischen?” is a state-wide pilot project run by the Global Ethic Foundation, which supports three local interfaith councils and their local municipal administration in Baden-Württemberg.
It strengthens skills in combating antisemitism and racism to prevent discrimination and supports local authorities in establishing clear procedures for dealing with conflicts and incidents. The participating locations are supported by Jewish and Muslim facilitators. The formats create spaces in which even difficult topics can be addressed constructively – whilst ensuring the consistent protection of those affected.
The project is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Foundation.
AT A GLANCE
Target group: Members of the local Councils of Religions in the three pilot locations and their communities; integration officers and local authority specialists, particularly from the fields of social services, education, youth and culture
Locations: Offenburg, Pforzheim and Reutlingen
- Formats: Workshops on anti-discrimination, antisemitism and racism; interfaith dialogue initiatives; use of the exhibition ‘Religions – Values – Peace’; counselling, supervision and peer case consultation; state-wide symposium in 2027
- Topics: Religious diversity and democracy; cooperation between religious and philosophical communities and local municipalities; raising awareness of antisemitism and racism
- Costs: Funded by the Baden-Württemberg Foundation. Project budget for two years: approx. 204,000 euros.
WHAT THE PROJECT ACHIEVES
- Strengthening skills to challenge antisemitism and racism and applying them to prevent discrimination
- Promoting interfaith/inter-worldview reflection, communication skills and mediation competence
- Developing confidence and empowerment in dealing with discrimination
- Embedding the protection of those affected, as well as sensitivity to discrimination and religious issues, sustainably within local and interfaith structures
- The experiences gained from the three pilot sites will be incorporated into a digital toolbox, which will be made available to other interfaith councils and local authorities
Our jewish-muslim tandems
Three pairs of facilitators support the pilot sites – providing expert guidance, process support and working on an equal footing. Each tandem consists of one Jewish and one Muslim expert with experience in interfaith dialogue, anti-discrimination work and facilitation.
“Democratic coexistence thrives on dialogue. I am convinced that genuine spaces for dialogue break down prejudices, build trust and promote peaceful conflict resolution.”
“I want to contribute to a society in which differences are seen as a natural part of diversity, and to create spaces where a wide range of perspectives can be shared and explored.”
“I want to demystify Judaism, promote respect amongst all people and fight against all forms of racism.”
“Faith invites us to a spiritual level of equality. It is up to us to discover the various dimensions of that spirituality and the ways in which it develops, and to use them as a source of support in our social lives.”
“Learning to deal with ambiguity is a key skill of our time. Interfaith fellowship opens up ways to effectively combat racism in all its forms.”
“It is important to me to seek dialogue: authentic, personal and on an equal footing. Encouraging people to question things can foster courage and confidence.”
Funding partners and collaborations
Funded by
In cooperation with
Jüdischer Kultur- und Religionsverein Kehl e.V.
Integrationsbüro der Stadt Offenburg – Fachbereich Familien, Schulen und Soziales
Büsra Çebi
cebi@weltethos.org