By Faysal Marjani
As part of the International Conference on Peace and Interfaith Dialogue, hosted by Bar-Ilan University Israel in partnership with the Ohr Torah Interfaith Center, the official announcement was made regarding the establishment of the “COMMANDERY OF THE FAITHFUL PEACE INSTITUTE.” (CFPI) This strategic initiative aims to promote the values of coexistence and peace while fostering dialogue between religions and cultures. The initiative has received widespread acclaim from international institutions and organizations, which have commended the efforts dedicated to laying the foundations for cooperation among nations and peoples.
This significant event took place within the framework of a diplomatic Iftar ceremony held in honor of the Kingdom of Morocco, in Jerusalem reaffirming its steadfast commitment to strengthening interfaith and intercultural dialogue and fostering the values of collaboration and mutual understanding. This commitment stems from Morocco’s profound vision of religion as a unifying force for peace rather than a source of division and conflict. The establishment of the commandery of the faithful peace institute represents a pivotal step in institutionalizing interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence, serving as a fundamental pillar in advancing global peace, promoting a culture of tolerance, and creating platforms for discussion and coordination among the followers of Abrahamic faiths. This approach places the concept of peace at the heart of sustainable development across various dimensions.
This high-profile international event was attended by representatives from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel, France, Spain, and Canada, alongside prominent religious, cultural, economic, and political leaders from international organizations and institutions. The gathering also included distinguished religious figures from Islamic, Christian, Jewish, Bahá’í, Druze, and other faith communities, underscoring the crucial role of interfaith dialogue in fostering mutual understanding among nations.
The event featured a distinguished Moroccan delegation, including FAIÇAL MARJANI, founder and president of Maroc Coexistence, and ZAKARIYA BELLAHRACH, a researcher in religious diplomacy at Mohammed V University in Rabat. The Moroccan delegation delivered a key address highlighting in detail the leading role played by the Institution in upholding the principles of peace, tolerance, and respect among religions, civilizations, and cultures. They emphasized the central role of the COMMANDERY OF THE FAITHFUL in countering religious extremism and radicalism through a comprehensive approach that focuses on religious guidance, spiritual education, and enlightened discourse. This approach is aimed at uprooting extremism and terrorism at its source while combating violence and hate speech through Morocco’s moderate and balanced religious model, which upholds spiritual security and societal stability.
The establishment of Institute for Peace reaffirms Morocco’s unwavering commitment—under the leadership of the COMMANDERY OF THE FAITHFUL to strengthening the foundations of global peace and coexistence while combating all forms of extremism and radicalization. This vision is embodied through comprehensive strategies, ranging from religious education and intellectual discourse to fostering spiritual diplomacy as a key pillar for achieving security and stability. Through this ambitious initiative, Morocco solidifies its position as a key player in shaping global peace, offering a holistic and forward-looking model that champions tolerance, constructive engagement among faiths and cultures, and the promotion of shared human values.
