Culture of Dialogue Conference, Baqa el-Gharbiya, 27th March 2008:

On Thursday, March 27th 2008, the Interfaith Encounter Association (IEA) joined Al-Qasemi Academy and other organizations in sponsoring the Third Conference of the "Culture of Dialogue" under the sub-title: "Acting Towards and Developing, Partnership, Pluralism, and Accepting the Different".

Stemming from its vision of creating and sustaining the delicate balance between preserving one's heritage and participating in the 21st century culture of the world, the College, IEA and other partners, promote cross-cultural humane dialogue and partnership among different groups in the local and global societies.

The Third Conference of the "Culture of Dialogue" follows a tradition the college began with the "Tolerance Day – Accepting the Different: Acting and Promoting Multi-Cultural Dialogue", held in January 2006. The "Culture of Dialogue"- the second conference in 2007- gathered representatives of academic and cultural institutions around the discussion of a shared existence in one land and within a larger universal context.

The conference began with opening remarks by the Dr. Muhammad Isawi, Head of the College, and greetings by representatives of the sponsoring organizations. A keynote address was delivered by Dr. Amal Jamal, Head of the Political Science Department in Tel Aviv University; followed by a stand-up comedy interlude by the actor Norman Issa. After the coffee break participants moved to choose between a variety of parallel sessions (including two led by IEA). During lunch they were able to connect with each other as well as viewing the exhibition "Family Members" of 14 Jewish and Arab artists.

The conference ended with a panel discussion "Between Politics and Literature: on Difference and Dialogue".
 

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