The Jewish National Fund of Canada – Manitoba/Saskatchewan Region is pleased to honour the Arab Jewish Dialogue (AJD) at the Negev Gala to be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at the Centennial Concert Hall.

“It is truly a privilege for the Jewish National Fund to pay tribute to the Arab Jewish Dialogue”, stated regional president Karla Berbrayer. “Their commitment to promote trust through education benefits us all. Within every community, there are a wide range of opinions, we applaud the AJD’s commitment for bringing people of diverse backgrounds together to discuss current issues”.

Founded in 2006 by Ab Freig and the late Harold Buchwald, and co-chaired since 2008 by Freig and Howard Morry, the Arab Jewish Dialogue is dedicated to encouraging positive relations and respect between Arabs and Jews in Canada. Originally composed of 16 members, an equal number of Arabs and Jews, the Arab Jewish Dialogue has worked over the years with hundreds of supporters of peace in the Middle East to promote respect, dignity, tolerance and diversity.

“We are passionate about peace and conflict resolution”, stated Freig. “We believe that most conflicts can be resolved if people dialogue and understand the narratives of the other person.”

The Arab Jewish Dialogue believes that no religion has a monopoly on the truth and that it is inexcusable for any group to use religion to justify the use of violence. In addition, in the Core Values and Principles adopted by its members, the AJD believes that one of the ways to build trust between Arabs and Jews is to meet on a regular basis to educate each other and to discuss subjects of mutual interest.

“Peace is possible, if both parties are genuinely committed. We want to ensure that no matter what happens along the way, Arabs and Jews in Canada find a way to talk it out, and that begins with trust”, added Morry.

Founded in 1901, the Jewish National Fund has evolved into a global environment leader, planting over 240 million trees, constructing more than 250 reservoirs & dams and developing over 250,000 acres of land while creating more than 1000 parks and providing stable infrastructure for over 1000 communities. JNF projects benefit all citizens and visitors in the State of Israel. Negev Galas have been the cornerstone of Canadian Jewish communities since 1947. These galas are the most important fundraising event in each community annually. The Negev Gala has honoured outstanding leaders from within the Winnipeg community since 1953.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Rob Berkowits – Executive Director
Phone: 204-947-0207 E-Mail: [email protected]