Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel
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The Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel (ICCI) is an interfaith umbrella organization based in Israel that promotes interreligious and intercultural understanding among Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities.[1][2][3] It was founded in January 1991 and functions as an umbrella body bringing together dozens of religious, cultural, and academic institutions active in interfaith dialogue and coexistence work.[1][2]
Core values of the ICCI are: dialogue and action, local and regional involvement, participation by the community and by the individual, building long-term relationships, and use of faith texts and values for "learning from each other".[4] ICCI posts blogs on the internet about such current issues and developments, and reflections thereon.[5] Although both dialogue and action are on its agenda, the ICCI believes that "Dialogue is not enough."[6]
"Our mission is to harness the teachings and values of the three Abrahamic faiths and transform religion's role from a force of division and extremism into a source of reconciliation, coexistence and understanding for the leaders and followers of these religions in Israel and in our region."[7]
In 2015, ICCI became associated with Rabbis for Human Rights.[8]
An umbrella organization, ICCI works with about sixty Jewish, Muslim, and Christian organizations in Israel. Included are Jewish-Arab groups, various interfaith forums, institutes, universities, and museums. The ICCI also associates with several international institutions: Religions for Peace, affiliated with the United Nations;[9] and the International Council of Christians and Jews, a group which also fosters dialogue between Jews, Christians, and Muslims.[10]
The ICCI was founded by its first director, Rabbi Dr. Ron Kronish, who retired in 2015–2016.[11][12] Educated at Brandeis University, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and Harvard Graduate School of Education, he has lived in Jerusalem since 1979.[13][12] He also writes and blogs in the media.[11][13] ICCI found a new director, Yonatan Shefa, a resident of the Jerusalem area. He has a track record as an activist, both in various professional capacities and as a volunteer, he also studies at Yeshiva Sulam Ya'akov for the rabbinate.[13] Originally from Toronto, he's a graduate of McGill University, with a masters from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. ICCI's organization is supported by the staff and works in consultation with Council trustees.[14]
