In September–October 2009, the Dialogue Institute hosted 14 professors from Imam University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a one-week seminar on interreligious and intercultural dialogue. The seminar was organized in partnership with The Center for Islamic Contemporary Studies and Dialogue of Civilization at Imam University. Full Article.

A civil engineer, an information technology specialist, a renowned feminist writer – these were among the remarkable group of Israeli women participants in the Dialogue Institute’s recent Women’s Intercultural Leadership Seminar (WILS). The Dialogue Institute developed this program in partnership with Al Qasemi Academic College of Education in Baqa Al-Garbia, Israel, as the culmination of a yearlong project dedicated to Arab-Jewish women’s leadership development and empowerment. The ten-day event (July 19-29) brought together Arab Muslim and Jewish women from Israel with Philadelphia-area women from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds for an intensive experience of cultural interchange, dialogue training, and exploring models for women’s leadership.  Full article.

More than 200 friends, colleagues, and past and present students gathered on April 26, 2009, to join in the Gala Celebration of Leonard Swidler: the Man and his Works. After sharing food and conversation, the assembled guests witnessed the world premiere of a commissioned dance performance interpreting Swidler's "Seven Stages of Deep Dialogue." The program continued with spoken and musical tributes, including recognition of the 45th Anniversary of the Journal of Ecumenical Studies, founded in 1964 by Len and Arlene Swidler. An interfaith circle of blessing brought the celebration to a close, and guests departed inspired and connected in new ways with one another. More information.

In his historic speech in Cairo on June 4, President Barack Obama affirmed in ringing tones the 21st century mandate for dialogue: "There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Quran tells us, 'Be conscious of God and speak always the truth.' That is what I will try to do - to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart." Full text of speech.

Can attainment of peace in the Middle East be found in the heart of Islamic, Christian and Jewish traditions?

The Dialogue Institute collaborated with the Interfaith Community for Middle East Peace to sponsor a special public forum on Sunday, May 3, 2009, 2 - 6 p.m., at Ritter Hall on the main campus of Temple University. The featured speakers, both from Israel, were Sufi Sheikh Ghassan Manasra and Orthodox Rabbi Menachem Froman. They have each dedicated their lives to understanding the relationship between religion and peacemaking, and are actively engaged in the work of dialogue within the Middle East context.  More information...