World Interfaith Harmony Week 2023
February 10, 2023
World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Just under a month later, it was unanimously adopted by the UN. The goal is that the week will provide a focal point from which all people of goodwill can recognize that the common values they hold far outweigh the differences they have, and provide peace and harmony to their communities. Here at Kean, the Interfaith Council did daily tabling in the Miron Student Center with information on the week, various religious organizations on campus and the council. We also had an interactive activity where students were asked to share on a posterboard for passers-by to read “what faith meant to them.”
The Interfaith Council staff members were fortunate enough to be featured on Kean University’s social media to recognize the week. Below is the full interview with some of the council members, on their thoughts of not only Interfaith harmony Week, but interfaith work and dialogue.
Interview questions and photo by Josh Amilcar, Social Media Coordinator in the Office of University Relations
Interfaith Council Members in this interview:
Lucia Pasternak, M.A. is the Catholic Campus Minister appointed to Kean University by the Archdiocese of Newark, which is a part of the Roman Catholic Church. She provides support to multiple Christian organizations on campus, including the Catholic Newman Club, and identifies as Roman Catholic.
Sarah Coykendall, M.A., is an alum of Kean University. She serves as the Managing Assistant Director of the Holocaust Resource Center and Diversity Council on Global Education and Citizenship of Kean University.
Adara Goldberg, Ph.D., is Director of the Holocaust Resource Center and Diversity Council on Global Education and Citizenship of Kean University. She is the Staff Advisor for Hillel, the Jewish student organization on campus, and identifies as Jewish. Her family synagogue in Toronto, Ontario is Beth David B'nai Israel Beth Am.
Muhammad Hassan, M.A. is Executive Director of Learning Commons. He is a practicing Muslim who migrated to USA from Pakistan.
What does it mean to you to be part of an interfaith community?
Lucia: When we often find ourselves feeling that we live in a divided world, filled with misconceptions, assumptions, and discrimination, being a part of an interfaith community gives an authentic face to faith and religion, or lack thereof. Cooperation and dialogue between those of different faiths and religions help stop the division, and even helps us deepen our understanding of our own beliefs and values. It is not about compromising our beliefs, but celebrating them!
Sarah: Being part of an interfaith community represents the best parts of humanity. As members of a shared community, we can recognize the values cherished by each faith group and have respectful conversations in a space that is welcoming to all.
Muhammad: Being part of an interfaith community helps you understand humanity better and teaches you to be respectful of all.
Why is it important to recognize Interfaith Week?
Lucia: World Interfaith Harmony Week dedicates time throughout our busy schedules to recognize and celebrate that our common values can outweigh our differences. It is important to dedicate time to strengthen our relationships with each other, strengthen our understanding of each other, and educate ourselves on belief systems other than our own. Here at Kean, it is important (and exciting!) to know that in our diverse campus community, there are other people who share the values that the United Nations recognize are at the heart of Interfaith Harmony Week - “Love of God, Love of the Good, and Love of thy Neighbor.”
Sarah: It is important to recognize Interfaith Week because it demonstrates the importance of having dialogue across faith groups and with individuals that are finding their place within a belief system. Interfaith Week is about recognizing the lived experiences of members of each faith and journey toward collective understanding and support.
Adara: Interfaith Harmony Week highlights the diversity of society. For the Kean community, it presents an opportunity to celebrate our individual and collective belief systems. This includes both organized faith communities - including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - as well as students who adhere to informal spiritual groups or identify as secular. Interfaith Week provides a forum for sharing ideas and traditions in a safe, respectful environment.
Muhammad: It is about letting other know and helping all understand about different faiths.
Are you taking part in any special activities to honor the week? Does your house of worship have anything special planned?
Lucia: The Interfaith Harmony Week tabling in the Miron Student Center February 6th through 8th is definitely the place to be! The Interfaith Council and the activities and conversations I take part in with the Council are some of my favorite and most rewarding moments on campus. I look forward to talking to community members during the Council’s tabling, and continuing to learn. Catholic Churches throughout the Archdiocese also offer special times for prayer and service to recognize interfaith unity and harmony - so I look forward to sharing some prayers with my students in Campus Ministry as well!
Sarah: I am participating in tabling to discuss the possible avenues for interfaith collaboration with Kean students, faculty, and staff. When I was a student I was too timid to approach faith groups on campus and ask to participate in their events. I hope this tabling removes that pressure some may feel about joining and take the courageous step forward.
Adara: I am excited to participate in tabling and speak with Kean students about their traditions and belief systems. I also look forward to introducing my young child to new books that celebrate our diverse communities. She loves to be read to, and Interfaith Week provides the perfect opportunity for learning something new!
Muhammad: Yes, I am collaborating with the Interfaith committee and setting up tables in MSC to show unity. The mosque that I attend is having other faith leaders and member come and enjoy conversation.
You can read more about the history of Interfaith Harmony Week by heading to: https://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/