MUSLIM-JEWISH PEACE INITIATIVE 'Principles of Dialogue Kavazović-Rosensaft'

(Patria) - The Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina Husein-ef. Kavazović and the President of the World Federation of Bergen-Belsen Associations Menachem Z. Rosensaft today signed the Muslim-Jewish Peace Initiative at the Potočari-Srebrenica Memorial Center, as part of the program marking the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

This is the document "Principles of Dialogue Kavazović-Rosensaft" which defines tools for maintaining interreligious contacts, communication channels, and connections in difficult times of global, regional, and/or local conflicts, involving the Muslim and Jewish communities.

It commits to the dedication to remembering the victims of past genocides, renouncing all forms of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of intolerance, to an unwavering commitment to the protection of life, and to consistent, compassionate communication.

It was stated that the declaration signed today will be a guide and a promise to future generations and a testament to the strength of cooperation and mutual respect in building a world of lasting peace and harmony.

The signing of the document followed a program attended by high-ranking state and international officials, as well as representatives of the Islamic and Jewish Communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Munira Subašić, President of the Association "Mothers of the Enclaves of Srebrenica and Žepa", and Jakob Finci, President of the Jewish Community in BiH, attended as witnesses.

Below is the integral text of the document signed today:

"In a world where we still hear the echoes of the Holocaust and the genocide in Srebrenica, we, the participants of the Muslim-Jewish peace initiative, gather to forge a path of reconciliation, mutual respect, and active peacebuilding. Our journey is guided by the principles of our continuous dialogue even in the most difficult times, a beacon guiding our shared commitment to a future where understanding and togetherness can overcome hatred, fear, and war.

Our Commitments:

Commitment to Remembering the Victims of Past Genocides: We commit to immortalizing the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and the genocide in Srebrenica so that future generations remember that these victims lived and how they were brutally murdered. In doing so, we also commit to doing everything in our power to combat hatred, antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism, and other intolerances that enabled the genocides committed in Auschwitz, Bergen-Belsen, Srebrenica, Jasenovac, Kigali, and all other places of horror. Renunciation of All Forms of Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Other Intolerances: We commit to publicly rejecting, condemning, and combating all manifestations of antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and other intolerances, as well as all forms of hatred based on racial, ethnic, religious, or national grounds.

We commit to never remaining silent when men, women, and children are killed, tortured, raped, taken hostage, or targeted for destruction because of their racial, ethnic, religious, or national identity, and we further commit to rejecting and condemning any glorification or attempt to rehabilitate perpetrators of such acts.

Unwavering Commitment to the Protection of Life: We are steadfast in our commitment to protecting civilian lives. We mourn the loss of life and the horrors inherent in all wars and armed conflicts and pray for peace for all humanity. At the same time, we are aware that peoples have an obligation to defend and protect their citizens and to prevent genocides, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other atrocities. Our cooperation will actively include ensuring external support and intervention when necessary, with the main goal of protecting innocent and vulnerable groups amidst conflicts, including ongoing and future ones. Freedom of Expression within the Framework of Respect: We support the right of leaders from our communities to freely express their concerns and perspectives as long as they do so in an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance without including or consenting to hate speech of any kind.

Such open expression is crucial for fostering understanding and will not hinder our ongoing dialogue, but rather enrich it, creating a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Consistent, Compassionate Communication: We pledge to maintain consistent and compassionate communication channels, understanding that empathy and mutual respect are key in managing and building lasting peace.
Joint Efforts in Times of Crisis: In times of crisis, we stand together, pooling our resources, knowledge, and strategies. Our joint efforts will extend to crisis management, peacekeeping, and recovery operations, ensuring strong support and protection for our communities.

Our Vision:

Bound by our history and guided by a shared responsibility towards future generations, this declaration symbolizes our commitment to a world where differences become bridges of learning, and every life a cherished treasure.

Finally, we reflect on the wisdom of our traditions: From the Holy Quran: "Whoever saves one life - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely" (Quran 5:32). From the Talmud: "Scripture holds that he who saves a single life has saved the entire world" (Sanhedrin 37a). These teachings inspire and guide our efforts as we move forward, united in our determination to protect, respect, and celebrate the sanctity of human life. May this declaration be our guide, a promise to future generations, and a testament to the strength of cooperation and mutual respect in building a world of lasting peace and harmony."

May this declaration be our guide, a promise to future generations, and a testament to the strength of cooperation and mutual respect in building a world of lasting peace and harmony."