A few years ago, I was invited to participate in a religious debate between Jews and Muslims, but my joining was preceded by many thoughts and feelings: anxiety and apprehension, pondering on the aim of the encounter, and that of the organizers. Besides these, questions arose on issues such as how the other side sees me… I am after all in dialogue with the occupier, and the hostility between our people has been ongoing for centuries. What will be the basis for such a dialogue? This is a dialogue between sides, both of which hold prejudicial opinions of the other. After long and deep consideration, I made up my mind to join, come what may be the consequences or circumstances, out of the belief that diversity is the way of the world. This is what creates different shades of thought and conduct among human beings, their opinions and beliefs. Difference adds diversity and beauty to life. From this same difference and from this reality we live in, it was necessary to create a connecting link which would become a meeting point and would draw up a joint vision of the building of life. Nevertheless, it is hard to construct a vision if open dialogue on all subjects is lacking, and it is only natural that dialogue participants hold different opinions and world views, otherwise the dialogue loses its very essence, which rests on diversity and disagreement. This is not to say that one side is right and the other wrong. In my opinion, dialogue is a cultural framework for exchanging opinions over a controversial subject, conducted objectively, and by detachment from emotion and sentimentality. The aim is to reach a common denominator which will serve as a starting point for laying foundations for the understanding of the Other in a positive way. For dialogue to be constructive, it needs a compass to direct it towards its desired aim – the finding of common denominators among the participants and the avoidance of a uni-dimensional point of view: a) The Other should be acknowledged as an equal partner in dialogue, and should not be patronized, such as in a situation where one side is the occupier and the other is under occupation. b) The construction of dialogue based on the premise that culture is not the creation of a single nation but rather the result of interaction and accumulation of knowledge and science which humanity as a whole contributed to, benefited from, and gave it its own unique color. Culture is the fruit of labor and thought of human minds. It does not represent a clash but rather interaction and completion between civilizations. c) The appropriation of religion should be forbidden by those who change the religious way of life and use it as a political axe to serve their desires and political aspirations, while the connection between them and religion is purely coincidental. They act as guardians of religion and God's interests, perpetrate acts of massacre and conquest in His name, and wreak havoc on humanity for the sake of their personal ambitions. This was the case in the Crusades and massacres against Muslims and Jews in Spain. In the same manner, the cultural enterprise in Andalus was destroyed. All the monotheistic religions call for brotherhood, peace and justice among human beings. They call for dialogue for the good of man, God's creation and follower on earth. d) The Other should not be ignored or dismissed, and his religious and social culture and values should not be denied. He should be seen as an equal partner, without distinction as to race, gender, religion or nationality. Disregard of the Other results in zealousness which causes one to lose his conscience. Every person has the right to life and existence as all people were chosen by Allah over all other creations. e) Open and purposeful discussion is the tool for revealing facts, expressing opinions and points of dispute. It creates the opportunity to respond to queries and clarifications which take root in the heart and mind. Discussion nurtures the mind, and prepares it for the open exchange of opinions, and for separating between what is important and what is not. This is proof that dialogue has cultural value of the highest importance. Having constructive and effective dialogue means the total condemnation of religious zealotry, seclusion and extremism which denies the rights of faith and existence of the Other. This dialogue is based on principles and values in common to all religions and faiths. Thus is its aim achieved – through life of honor and security to all humanity. Thus it leads to cooperation, lays the foundations for peace and builds a society based on common values of humanism and faith. Humanity needs these values to direct itself towards the good and to avoid moral aberration, whether in thought or conduct. Fawzi Abu Ghosh is Principal of Amal Boys High School, Atarot, Jerusalem. Fawzi participated in the pilot of the Jerusalem Inter-Religious Educational Leadership Program between 2004-2007. | 
