AMMWEC Celebrates Christmas and Hanukkah in Israel, Advancing Interfaith Bonds

In a unique and purposeful act of interfaith engagement, a delegation from the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) recently celebrated both Christmas and Hanukkah during their visit to Israel. They aimed to use faith-based conversations as a means to encourage understanding, coexistence, and a shared sense of responsibility in a region that often feels divided.

Anila Ali, the President of AMMWEC, took the lead in organizing a delegation that included Muslim leaders from North America, primarily of Pakistani descent, along with representatives from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This initiative was made possible through a partnership with the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) and the Ohr Torah Interfaith Center, showcasing a larger mission to promote collaboration among the three Abrahamic faiths. The delegation, made up of 15 senior Muslim leaders from the US and Canada, visited Israel to stand in solidarity with the Jewish people and to openly oppose antisemitism and religious extremism.

Participants included:

• Wajid Ali Syed, founder and CEO of the Abraham Publishing & Research Center;

• Soraya M. Deen, lawyer, global activist, and founder of the Muslim Women Speakers Movement;

• Zebunnesa Zeba Zubair, AMMWEC executive board member and peace ambassador;

• Farhana Khorshed, executive director of the New England Bangladeshi American Foundation;

• Imam Musa Drammeh, president of Muslims Israel Dialogue;

• Sitara Naheed, journalist and co-chair of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable for Bangladesh;

• Mohammad Saifur Rahman Chowdhury, Bangladeshi-American community leader and IRF co-chair;

• Mohammad Shoaib Adil, editor, writer, and political analyst;

• Muniza Ansari, AMMWEC fellow and interfaith advocate;

• Dr. Sonali Tucker, founder and CEO of a public policy charter school in Los Angeles;

• Mansoor Hussain Laghari, U.S. Army veteran and Muslim–Jewish youth unity advocate;

During their visit, the delegation engaged with senior rabbis and Muslim leaders, explored communities close to the Gaza border, including Kibbutz Kfar Aza and the Nova festival site, and discussed the ethical duties of religious leadership. They also took a trip to the Holocaust Museum at Kibbutz Lohamei Hagetaot and met with officials from Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

Anila Ali, shared that the purpose of the visit was to foster a deeper understanding among faith communities.

“For many in our group, visiting a synagogue for the first time in Jerusalem was a deeply spiritual and transformative experience,” she noted. “Gathering in this sacred city to seek partnership and pathways to peace between Muslims and Jews is both a blessing and a significant responsibility.”

Christmas Observed in Bethlehem

One of the most memorable moments during the visit happened in Bethlehem, where Muslim leaders came together to celebrate Christmas at the Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ. The delegation spent the evening in deep reflection and prayer, highlighting Islam’s respect for Jesus and the common spiritual roots shared by Muslims and Christians.

While in Bethlehem, the group engaged with Christian clergy and peace advocates, enjoying a dinner that centered on reconciliation and the safeguarding of Christian communities in the Holy Land. As a sign of unity, the delegation also lit a candle in prayer for the Christian community in Pakistan, sending blessings for peace, safety, and prosperity on Christmas Eve.

Hanukkah Candle Lightings Across Israel

Earlier this week, AMMWEC spearheaded a unique delegation of Muslim leaders, hosted by the Combat Antisemitism Movement to observe Hanukkah. Participants took part in candle-lighting ceremonies across Tel Aviv and other cities, standing in solidarity with Jewish community leaders and activists who are committed to combating antisemitism and religious extremism.

A highlight of the Hanukkah celebrations was the gathering of Emirati peace advocate Loay Alshareef, Israeli-American Jewish influencer Montana Tucker, and Anila Ali. Along with other delegation members, they lit candles, symbolizing their shared mission to promote unity among Abrahamic faiths and to stand firmly against hate and violence.

The delegation also engaged in an interfaith celebration at the Jerusalem Academy of Music, where Muslim representatives had the honor of lighting the final candle of Hanukkah during a combined Christmas-Hanukkah program. Delegates reflected on this moment as a powerful reminder that shared traditions can foster understanding and help bridge divides.

Cultural, Educational, and Diplomatic Engagements

This visit was also a deep dive into cultural and diplomatic connections. On the fourth day, the delegation explored the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem, where they examined rare manuscripts and historical archives that tell the story of centuries of Jewish intellectual and spiritual life. Participants took time to reflect on how vital it is to keep our collective memory alive as a foundation for mutual respect.

Later, the group had a candid meeting with senior officials at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they discussed regional challenges, shared values, and the important role of civil and religious leaders in fostering stability. Delegates pointed out that having open conversations, even about tough issues, is essential for building trust.

On December 24, the AMMWEC–Ohr Torah delegation visited the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, where they engaged with global Jewish narratives and connected with young Israeli leaders. The day ended with a warm gathering of rabbis, sheikhs, and community figures from both Muslim and Jewish backgrounds, followed by a joint declaration and a panel discussion on how faith can play a role in promoting peace and addressing the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Shared Responsibility for Peace

Throughout the visit, Anila Ali stressed that peace is built on accountability and a collective responsibility from all parties involved. In her discussions with Israeli Muslim and Jewish participants, she reiterated AMMWEC’s strong opposition to terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing that reconciliation is the only realistic way to move ahead.

“As Muslims, we believe in the Torah, the Bible, and all the prophets sent by God,” Ali said. “When responsibility is shared and sincerity guides action, peace becomes possible—for the children of Muslims and Jews alike.”

Building an Abrahamic Framework

The visit really highlighted AMMWEC’s dedication to the Abrahamic Movement, which is all about building stronger ties between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. At the Summit for the Abrahamic Movement in Jaffa, attendees came together to sign a declaration that emphasizes the need for ongoing interfaith collaboration, safeguarding religious minorities, and taking united action against hatred and extremist ideologies.

AMMWEC expressed its heartfelt thanks to the Combat Antisemitism Movement and Ohr Torah for bringing together the delegations and fostering meaningful conversations between Muslim leaders from the United States and Israeli civil society. As the delegation wrapped up their visit, participants reflected on the experience, noting that faith, when combined with humility and active engagement, can act as a bridge instead of a divide—promoting interfaith dialogue at a time when it’s truly essential.

The delegation described their visit as an incredibly enriching experience, providing them with a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Israeli society, where various religious communities coexist. Through site visits and personal interactions, the trip transformed into an educational adventure that enhanced the participants’ grasp of the historical, social, and political intricacies surrounding the Middle East conflict.