Jerusalem/Tel Aviv

Anila Ali, the President of AMMWEC, took the lead in organizing a delegation that included Muslim leaders from North America, primarily of Pakistani descent, along with representatives from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This initiative was made possible through a partnership with the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) and the Ohr Torah Interfaith Center, showcasing a larger mission to promote collaboration among the three Abrahamic faiths. The delegation, made up of 15 senior Muslim leaders from the U.S. and Canada, visited Israel to stand in solidarity with the Jewish people and to openly oppose antisemitism and religious extremism.

Throughout the week-long visit, participants engaged with senior rabbis and Muslim leaders, visited communities near the Gaza border including Kibbutz Kfar Aza and the Nova festival site, and discussed the ethical responsibilities of religious leadership. The group also toured the Holocaust Museum at Kibbutz Lohamei Hagetaot and met with officials from Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

The group met with Christian clergy and peace advocates over dinner, focusing on reconciliation and the protection of Christian communities in the Holy Land. In a gesture of unity, the delegation lit a candle in prayer for Christians in Pakistan, sending wishes for peace, safety, and prosperity on Christmas Eve.

A particularly memorable moment brought together Emirati peace advocate Loay Alshareef, Israeli-American Jewish influencer Montana Tucker, and Anila Ali as they lit candles together—a powerful symbol of their shared mission to promote unity among Abrahamic faiths and stand against hate.

The delegation also took part in an interfaith celebration at the Jerusalem Academy of Music, where Muslim representatives had the honor of lighting the final Hanukkah candle during a combined Christmas-Hanukkah program.

The visit included cultural and diplomatic engagement as well. At the National Library of Israel, delegates examined rare manuscripts and historical archives documenting centuries of Jewish intellectual and spiritual life. They also held substantive discussions with senior officials at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs about regional challenges, shared values, and the role of civil and religious leaders in fostering stability.

On December 24, the delegation visited the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, connecting with global Jewish narratives and meeting young Israeli leaders. The day concluded with a gathering of rabbis, sheikhs, and community leaders, followed by a joint declaration and panel discussion on faith’s role in promoting peace.

Throughout the visit, Anila Ali emphasized that peace requires accountability and collective responsibility from all parties. In conversations with Israeli Muslim and Jewish participants, she reaffirmed AMMWEC’s strong opposition to terrorism and violent extremism.

The visit underscored AMMWEC’s commitment to the Abrahamic Movement, which seeks to strengthen ties among Muslims, Jews, and Christians. At the Summit for the Abrahamic Movement in Jaffa, attendees signed a declaration emphasizing ongoing interfaith collaboration, protection of religious minorities, and united action against hatred and extremist ideologies.

AMMWEC expressed deep gratitude to the Combat Antisemitism Movement and Ohr Torah for facilitating the delegations and enabling meaningful dialogue between Muslim leaders from North America and Israeli civil society.

As the visit concluded, participants reflected on how faith, combined with humility and active engagement, can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier—fostering interfaith dialogue when it’s needed most. The delegation described the visit as a profound learning experience, offering firsthand insight into the diversity of Israeli society, where different religious communities live side by side. Through site visits and direct engagement, the trip became an educational journey that deepened participants’ understanding of the historical, social, and political complexities of the Middle East conflict.