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Three Faiths Forum Middle East
Based in Israel, 3FF Middle East combines Scriptural Reasoning methods championed by the University of Cambridge with the educational expertise from 3FF's daily work in UK schools to create intercultural models that work in the region.
Although Israel is a mixed society where Jews, Christians and Muslims interact on a daily basis, rarely do such encounters offer an opportunity to really learn about the culture and identity of others.
A groundbreaking collaboration between 3FF and Cambridge University’s Inter-faith Programme (CIP) seeks to change this by delivering new models for intercultural engagement in the Holy Land, bringing text-based dialogue to students and young professionals.
Hospitals Programme
Through 3FF and CIP's flagship Hospitals Programme, Scriptural Reasoning workshops give trainee doctors and nurses of Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths at five Israeli hospitals the practical tools needed to improve relations with their colleagues. The workshops are now a compulsory component of studies in three hospitals after a statement by the Israeli Ministry of Health that “cultural competency" must be taught to all healthcare professionals.
In the workshops, joint readings from the Qur’an, New Testament and Tanakh serve as springboards for deeper discussions. The sessions enable students to communicate at ease with each other – without feeling that they have to leave their culture and identity at the door of their universities or workplaces. They also help them treat patients and relate to other healthcare professionals with greater understanding of their religious sensibilities.
The Young People’s Programme brings University-age Jews, Christians and Muslims together for meaningful encounters based on the same Scriptural Reasoning methods as the Hospitals Programme.
Through New Models for Existing Groups we enable those who already make the effort to come together to try out different models of interaction to enrich and enliven existing dialogue. Our partners for this programme are Interfaith Encounter Association and the Reut-Sadaqa Jerusalem Interfaith Group.
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If you are interested in funding the project, volunteering for the project, or joining activities, please contact the programme director Miriam Feldmann Kaye / 00972 52 707 5203
"I have never studied the Torah with Christians and Muslims, even though they are good friends of mine. It was difficult - but in the end eye-opening and challenging. I am now re-thinking the way I view others in Israel, and my interactions with them in hospital when I become a doctor. All in all it was completely new, enjoyable, and surprising – every student should do this."
- Uri, 28, Jewish, Rehovot
"It was so interesting and I learnt so much about people from other religions in Israel through my friends on my course. We have not had workshops like this until now and it is something that can really enhance our work in hospitals. It is our duty to participate in such things as they make life more beautiful and this is especially necessary in Israel."
- Maysalun, 12, Muslim, Galilee

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