This commentary presents a series of field-based experiences of inter-faith and ecumenical dialogue in Israel and the West Bank following the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023. After a short introduction about two documents of the Second Vatican Council (the encyclical Pacem in Terris – which focuses on disarmament and peace – and the declaration Nostra Aetate – which focuses on the relationship between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions), this manuscript relates various encounters in Israel and the West Bank. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam meet in places where the faithful of the three great monotheistic religions gather to pray or practice charity. Sometimes interreligious dialogue is not sought but simply exists as a contact of proximity and arouses curiosity or interest in different rites. Inter-faith dialogue is embedded in daily life in those territories and helps to build a more tolerant and respectful society through charitable initiatives. The comment concludes that such practices, often held outside of academic or institutional frameworks, represent significant signs of hope and resilience within a deeply contested religious and political environment. After more than 60 years, the teachings of the Second Vatican Council on matters of disarmament and peace are still current.
Sandra Manzella (Mon,) studied this question.