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Jewish-Muslim Dialogue

Brave Spaces

A Jewish-Muslim dialogue is a structured exchange between members of the Jewish and Islamic faiths aimed at building mutual understanding, addressing shared social challenges and reducing stereotypes.

Join Jewish and Muslim community voices for a facilitated conversation about shared values, different experiences, and building understanding across faiths. The discussion will explore practical ways to challenge
stereotypes and strengthen relationships between neighbours.

This session will be facilitated by Foundation for a Path Forward, a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower communities across the globe to build resilience, overcome barriers and create a future where everyone belongs.

We will be joined by Rabbi Laura Duhan-Kaplan, Tariq Tyab, Yusaf Siraj, Raya Avazova, and Yehuda Mansell.

Rabbi Laura Duhan-Kaplan is Dean of the Aleph Seminary for Jewish Renewal, which ordains Jewish clergy in a progressive, pluralistic approach to spirituality. Before that, she was Director of Inter-Religious Studies at the Vancouver School of Theology, and Rabbi at Or Shalom Synagogue. Rabbi Laura is a lifelong writer, animal lover, and interfaith activist, who enjoys living in multicultural Vancouver with her musical husband Charles.

Raya Avazova is an immigration and integration professional and language educator based in British Columbia. She is passionate about intercultural dialogue, inclusion, and promoting understanding and respect among diverse cultural and faith communities.

Tariq Tyab is a distinguished non-profit leader and philanthropist with over 25 years of experience championing interfaith collaboration, combating hate, and empowering IBPOC communities. He is the Founder of British Columbia’s Foundation for a Path Forward, which serves as the province’s first Official Faith Community Convener and Canada’s national convener for the Strong Cities Network. Under his leadership, the Foundation has also successfully launched Careers in the Age of AI and PRIME Careers, innovative initiatives advancing AI education, workforce development, and employment opportunities for refugees and underserved communities.

Yusuf Siraj is a researcher, educator and Co-Founder of the Foundation for a Path Forward. His work spans artificial intelligence, online hate and disinformation, helping communities understand and respond to the forces shaping their lives. He develops research, training and practical tools for universities, local governments and non-profits, including guidance on using AI. With a background in psychology and business management, he connects research with action to build safer, better-informed communities.

Yehuda Mansell is a Research Affiliate at the Vancouver School of Theology. He holds an MA in Theology from Regent College and a BA in Bible, Archaeology, and ANE Studies from Ben Gurion University. Most recently, Yehuda lived and worked in a refugee resettlement home in Surrey. His passions include the book of Job, Ancient Near Eastern Literature, interreligious dialogue, and bridge-building between communities. Yehuda has more than 20 years of experience working with youth, homelessness, addiction, and refugees.

There will be time for questions from the audience.

Registration is recommended for each session, but drop-ins are welcome. 

Light refreshments will be served.

We were very fortunate to receive the Bill LeClair Community Fund from the Coquitlam Foundation to fund this series. 

Other events in this speaker series include:

• October 6 - Kairos Blanket Exercise
• Oct 13 - Anti-South Asian Hate
• Oct 27 - Active Witnessing: Creating Safer Communities

If you have any questions, please contact Aman at asaroya@coqlibrary.ca or Ann at ajohannes@coqlibrary.ca

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