Interreligious Activities

We are proud to share that Fr. Piotr Żelazko, Vicar General of the Latin Patriarchate for Hebrew‑speaking Catholics in Israel, has been awarded the prestigious title of “Man of Reconciliation 2026” by the Polish Council of Christians and Jews. This honor recognizes individuals from outside Poland who have made a significant contribution to deepening dialogue and understanding between Christians and Jews.

From 11–12 February 2026, the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews (CRRJ) and the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC) held a joint gathering in Jerusalem marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate. The meeting included plenary sessions, round‑table discussions, visits to sites in the Old City, and a public evening of dialogue and music. Fr. Piotr Zelazko, the Vicar, took an active part throughout the sessions, together with Fr. Benny who also contributed musically during the Wednesday evening public event.

On Monday, January 5th, the Interfaith Initiative in the Negev held a study meeting at the Beer Sheva Community House. The gathering focused on the theme “And There Was Light… The Creation of the World.” Fr. Roman reports.

On Thursday (December 11th) Fr. Benny and the Jerusalem Community hosted more than fifty guests at an extraordinary event of Hannukah lecture by Rabbi Oded Peles.

On Sunday, November 30, 2025, a special meeting took place at the synagogue Moreshet Avraham in Jerusalem to mark the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the historic declaration of the Second Vatican Council that opened a new chapter in relations between the Catholic Church and the Jewish people.

Fr. Piotr Zelazko, the Vicar of St. James Vicariate for Hebrew-speaking Catholics published the following statement on the occasion of 60th Anniversary of the publication by the Second Vatican Council the Declaration on the Relation of the Catholics Church to Non-Christian Religions "Nostra Aetate".

Our exclusive anniversary t-shirt honors the groundbreaking declaration that transformed relations between the Catholic Church and other faiths. Featuring a modern design inspired by dialogue, unity, and mutual respect, this shirt is more than apparel - it’s a statement of commitment to friendship and understanding. Perfect for events, gatherings, or as a meaningful keepsake.

On November 6, 2025, scholars, religious leaders, and interfaith practitioners gathered at Notre Dame of Jerusalem to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the groundbreaking declaration of the Second Vatican Council that transformed Catholic relations with other religions. The event, titled “Reflecting on the Legacy and Contemporary Challenges of Dialogue Across Faiths,” explored both the historical significance and the future of interreligious engagement. The Vicariate of St. James was one of the organizers of the meeting.

On Wednesday, October 8th, members of the Interfaith Initiative in the Negev gathered at the Sukkat Shalom in the Eshel Avraham Conservative Community House in Omer to reflect on interreligious relations. The meeting, held during the Sukkot holiday, was dedicated to the memory of Martin Sessler, a beloved member of the Initiative who passed away shortly before Rosh Hashanah.

On Wednesday (28.05.25), people of different faiths gathered at the Tower of David in Jerusalem for a special interfaith prayer dedicated to the theme of “Mercy.”

On Wednesday (28.05.25), the historic city of Jerusalem witnessed a remarkable event as people from various faiths came together for a March for Peace. This interreligious event saw the participation of numerous community leaders, including Fr. Piotr, the Vicar of St. James.

On Monday (13.01), Fr. Roman traveled with an interfaith group of Druze, Jews, Muslims, and Christians to Rahat to bring comfort to the Zianda family who lost their two sons, Yosef and Hamza, who were hostages in Gaza.

Wednesday (14.08) the members of Negev Interfaith Initiative visited a Bedouin family in Rahat whose members were abused by Jewish settlers while traveling to Nablus. Among those who came to express their solidarity with the victims was fr. Roman, the parish priest from Beer Sheva. We publish his account of the event.

On Tuesday (30.07), a group of Druze, Jews, Muslims and Christians belonging to The Forum of Interfaith Leaders in Israel, went to Majdal Shams, a Druze village near the border with Lebanon and Syria, where 12 children were killed by a missile that fell on the playground. Fr. Roman reports about the encounter.

A Peace event: "It's time to give peace another chance" took place in Tel Aviv on Monday (01.07). Fr. Piotr, the Vicar of St. James was invited to pray for peace during the event that was a joint project of a number of well-known Israeli nonprofits and NGO's representing all corners of Israel’s left, ranging from older, established groups like Peace Now to more recently founded movements such as Standing Together.

On Monday (03.06), in Jerusalem took place an Interfaith March for Human Rights and Peace. Fr. Piotr participated in the event, together with Jewish and Muslim friends.

On Friday (10.05) Fr. Roman Kaminsky participated in a panel discussion on the topic: The Holocaust in the light of the three religions. The panel was held at the Beit Yad Labanim auditorium in Netanya at the initiative of Roni Meir Dotan, a Holocaust researcher and director of commemoration projects. In addition to Fr. Roman, the following participated in the panel: Dr. Batia Brotin, Mr. Avi Salma and Rabbi Israel Weiss. Unfortunately, the representative of Islam was not able to make it to the panel.

On Wednesday (29.11) Fr. Piotr and Fr. Tiago took part in an interfaith event in Kfar Aza, one of the places that were under attack on October 7th. Jews, Christians Muslims and Druze prayed together for the victims and their families.

Fr. Piotr represented HB Card. Pizzaballa at a conference in Italy. It was organized by the diocese of Pitigliano-Sovana-Orbetello under the tilte: "The gates of the Mediterranean-Poliphony of stories: people, institutions and landscapes in dialogue” with a special interreligious meeting and a prayer for peace.

Interfaith organization "Spirit of the Galilee" (Association for the Advancement of Religious Pluralism, Interreligious Dialogue and Co-Existence) invites all religious leaders to sign an online petition: "An urgent call for tolerance and peace from leadership and religious leaders". We present the text and the link to all religious leaders who may be interested.