The opening of the Charney Resolution Center's will take place on the 3rd of September and the timing is both symbolic and of special meaning.
The Jewish year is at an end and we are now situated between Yom Kippur 5775 and Yom Kippur 5776.
In a very rare occurrence, both these dates fall simultaneously on the dates of the Islamic Festival of the Sacrifice, Eid-al Adha. This parallel usually occurs once in 33 years. The parallel occurring in two consequent years is far rarer.
Both deal with atonement and forgiveness.
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish religion. It is a day of atonement and self-examination. It is a day of reconciliation between man and God, and overall, between mankind.
Eid-al Adha is one of the two holiest days in the Moslem religion. It also involves self-examination and purification of the soul. It is named the Festival of the Sacrifice in reference to Abraham's intended sacrifice of his son.
The motif is mutual to both religions. In the Jewish belief, Itzhak is the sacrifice. In the Moslem belief, it is the sacrifice of Ishmael.
Both were sons of Abraham who became forefathers of nations.
This is a tale of a man's devotion and willingness to sacrifice that which is dearest to him, his beloved Son, in able to prove his staunch belief in the Almighty. At the climax of the drama, as Abraham is about to fulfill his command, there is a new clear command. 'Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him'. The Almighty has now signaled a new era. No longer is a human sacrifice acceptable. The Almighty does not desire human sacrifice. True faith is what is truly needed.
'Lay not thine hand upon the lad' might hold an additional command, meant for all mankind. Let us not sacrifice that which we most cherish: our sons. Not for religious beliefs, nor for any other beliefs we hold sacred or justified.
There are other methods in which to resolve disputes and confrontations.
Dispute and War demand our sons' lives.
Resolution and Peace sanctify their lives.
This is why we are here, and we hope you join us in this attempt to reconcile the two brothers and their nations, in an effort towards resolution and peace, at the Charney Resolution Center.
Avishai Miron
Dorit Long