All three of us, a Jew, a Muslim and a Christian, met one night in April 2007 to discuss a common idea. Bonded by the ex-patriot experience in a little known, newly emerging economy, Romania, we felt that there was need for a real learning. Part of a multi- cultural community, amidst this amazing micro world representation of nationalities, backgrounds and religions, physical barriers had ceased to exist. The school and various organizations got people together and organized activities but then, incidents occurred, certain interactions took place that made us think that these introductions were superficial, the lack of tolerance often exhibited at these times was based on ignorance. Much learning takes place but we believe more real learning can take place. There is a need to seek more, delve into more details - the soft issues, the contradictions, the rituals, the dilemmas, the paradoxes, the unspoken taboos, the fashions, the highlights and so on of our different worlds. There was need to know more. The others could argue that there was so much going on but we were looking deeper for a link, a connection, a bridge, an understanding – that would connect us more strongly. We shared a sense of there being a need for more tolerance and mutual concern. This is what peace requires. The real ambition lies in our own development as better global villages. We all belong to our own countries and that makes us unique but then in an ex-patriot setting, we become global citizens – One family!
This was the start of the group. We did not know that others had had similar ideas and in America three ladies, also a Muslim, a Jew and A Christian had similarly started “The Faith Club,” following 9/11. We did not want to discuss religion only, we wanted to learn everything about each other and it is only later we realized that we three were actually devoutly entrenched in their beliefs. I found in my Jewish friend a genuine hunger for the truth that had haunted me a couple of years ago and I encouraged her to explore her religion. She told me later that she had gone back to the synagogue wearing a shawl I had given her, it was officially her prayer shawl but more than that we had made a real connection. Islam is closest to Judaism in its belief and we needed to understand the similarities. As for our Catholic friend, she revealed her desire to join the church and yet she met us without any prejudice. What was this invisible bond that connected us? I call it Taqwa, God consciousness. At some level we had realized that we were essentially the same. Essentially good and simple! With almost similar needs! Seeking to bypass the complicated web of misunderstanding, ignorance and lies that sever human ties!
Bridges has been the one of the most meaningful dialogue that I have indulged in. Small and discreet, the club shall continue to exist wherever we go.
