As Ohr Torah Stone announced on Wednesday, an Israeli Orthodox Jewish organization is participating in the G20 Interfaith Forum for the first time since its founding in 2008.
The annual meeting of the G20 Interfaith Forum took place Monday through Thursday this week in Brasilia, Brazil, bringing together the world’s 20 largest economies with a diverse range of religious, civic and political leaders to discuss critical issues affecting the planet.
Although Israel is not a member of the forum, the Ohr Torah Interfaith Center’s invitation to the summit reflects the growing importance of diverse religious perspectives in addressing global challenges, Ohr Torah Stone said in a press release.
Rabbi Dr. Aharon Ariel Lavi, executive director of Ohr Torah Stone’s Interfaith Center, was the only Orthodox Jewish representative at the forum, paving the way for future involvement in interfaith dialogue forums. As the only official Orthodox Jewish representative at the forum, Lavi acknowledged the challenges facing the Jewish community during these times.
“It is a great honor to raise our voices on this important global platform, (and) it is more important than ever to ensure that our voices are heard in international discussions,” he said.
The G20 forum also addressed the impact of fake news and misinformation, which have contributed to a rise in hate crimes and discrimination around the world. This includes a sharp rise in anti-Semitism, particularly given the continued spread of fake news about the war between Israel and Hamas.
This addition couldn’t have come at a better time
“At a time of increasingly polarizing and (inflammatory) debates, coupled with the tragic losses in Israel and in other current conflicts around the world, the participation of diverse religious voices in global forums is not only useful but essential,” said Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander, President and Rosh Yeshiva of Ohr Torah Stone. “Orthodox Judaism, with its strong emphasis on critical thinking, ethics, and the pursuit of justice and social responsibility, has much to contribute to discussions about the world’s most pressing problems. Our tradition offers valuable perspectives that can help find solutions based on both moral clarity and compassionate action.”
At the forum, representatives of various religious communities discussed the healing role of faith communities in fragmented societies. The forum addressed hate speech, religious intolerance and political polarization and discussed strategies for engaging religious actors in various global projects, such as fighting corruption, protecting the environment, promoting literacy and food security.
The importance of religious engagement in solving global problems is consistent with research that emphasizes the critical role of faith communities in social and political issues, said Ohr Torah Stone.
“Sustainable solutions require that we address the religious dimensions of our world,” Lavi said. “As religious leaders, we must contribute to the betterment of humanity.”
The aim of the G20 Interfaith Forum is to provide a platform for religious organizations to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and promote cooperation, thereby strengthening political leadership.
Ohr Torah Stone is a modern Orthodox movement that seeks to showcase the beauty of authentic Torah Judaism, which, while rooted in Halacha, is still relevant today. With more than 30 educational institutions and various social projects and assistance programs for men and women, the movement works to bring religion into the discussion of global challenges by promoting mutual respect between Judaism and other faiths.
