Meeting of IEA Reut-Sadaqa on 17th March 2008:

This Interfaith meeting, organized by the Moslem and Christian coordinators had a special character both due to its agenda as well as that it took place in Ticho House because our regular hosts could not have us on that day.

The agenda consisted of two farewells of a completely different nature: the first part was dedicated to the memory of our very regular member and friend Jeremy Gershon who passed away very suddenly. Karmela, the Christian coordinator brought a photo of Jeremy playing the guitar which we put on the table next to a candle lit in his memory. Each member shared few words and expressions that reminded him/her of Jeremy. Hadassah composed a very beautiful poem in his honor and Nathanael sang "Ir Me Quiero, Madre" very moving verses that Jeremy's loved. We were all very moved by this very simple and sincere event.

One of the members said to one of the coordinators that he and Jeremy met mainly in reut-sadaqa…and during these meetings they discovered each other's interests which transformed into private meetings and visits. So, if IEA exists to promote encounters leading to friendships and understanding, this aim was brought to fruition. The two differed greatly in many areas but they were able to discover socially that they had lots in common.

The second part of this meeting was devoted to express our gratitude to Leah Lublin, the Jewish coordinator who has left us to begin another group in the Interfaith Encounter Association. The two coordinators presented gifts to Leah in the name of the group in recognition for her devotion and service to the group for quite a few years. In addition a certificate of recognition written by the two coordinators and put on parchment paper by the executive director Dr. Yehuda Stolov was presented to her.

This very moving meeting was continued over a drink when our mixed feelings continued to be expressed and our friendship further consolidated.

Report written by the coordinators: Ms Rafiqa Othman and Sr. Karmela Farrugia
 

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