CANCELLED: Preserving and Promoting Religious Freedom and Rights in Israel Today

The Council of Heads of the Religions in Israel is the representative body of official leaders of the religious communities recognized as such by the State of Israel. It functions as a representative body taking public stands against extremism and violence and seeks to promote mutual respect and collaboration amongst Israel’s religious communities. It also holds an annual gathering of clergy from different faiths on a theme of common interest and concern, which is hosted in rotation by one of the major religious communities.This topic considers the challenges of advancing these values in a diverse multi-faceted society in which most religious communities have not originated from democratic societies and have not been part of a culture that affirms religious pluralism as something to be protected and advanced. The members of the panel address how religious diversity flourishes in Israel today, as well as discussing what difficulties and problems still need to be addressed.