The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has urged Nigerians to embrace unity, empathy, and peaceful coexistence, emphasizing that lasting progress can only be achieved in societies founded on mutual respect and dialogue.
Speaking at an Interfaith Conference on Coexistence Among Abrahamic Faiths held in Abuja on Thursday, Freeman described the gathering as “important and very timely,” noting that the message of unity is crucial as many regions across the world grapple with division and intolerance.
“It’s an honour to join today’s important and very timely discussions on coexistence. At a time when so many parts of the world are struggling with division and misunderstanding, this conversation could not be more necessary,” Freeman said.
He explained that coexistence is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of respect, empathy, and shared purpose.
“It’s about choosing dialogue over hate, building bridges rather than walls, and recognising that our diversity can be a source of strength rather than weakness,” he added.
Freeman cited examples from Israel, where Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze communities live, work, and study side by side.
“In our hospitals, doctors treat all patients equally. In our universities, students from every background learn together. In our parliament, voices from every community help shape the nation’s future,” he said.
While acknowledging that coexistence in Israel is “not perfect,” he described it as real and cherished. The envoy also praised the success of the Abraham Accords, which strengthened Israel’s diplomatic relations with Morocco, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, saying the initiative proves that peace between peoples is possible when we focus on what unites us.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria, Freeman commended the country’s diversity and resilience despite its challenges.
“Here in Nigeria, we see a nation that mirrors that same aspiration—diverse, faithful, and full of promise,” he said.
“Peace does not begin in government halls or international conferences. It begins in neighbourhoods, schools, places of worship, and in our hearts.”
He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Nigeria in innovation, agriculture, education, and security, describing coexistence as essential to progress, security, and hope.
Religious leaders at the conference echoed his message of unity.
Imam Muhammed Ashafa of the Muslim community emphasized dialogue among faiths, noting that interreligious cooperation demonstrates true faith in action.
“When people of faith come together and share on issues that matter to all of us—freedom of practice, youth welfare, family life—we show the world a living example of unity,” he said.
Rabbi Menachem Chitrik of the Jewish community stressed the need for leaders to model respect across beliefs, while Archbishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa of the Christian Association of Nigeria urged all Nigerians to move beyond words and put principles of unity into daily practice.
“When we see ourselves as one family, we will not fight one another,” Ogunmuyiwa said.
The conference’s call for peace comes amid increased international attention on Nigeria’s religious tensions. In October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christian communities, a claim Nigeria’s government firmly rejected, insisting it remains committed to protecting citizens of all faiths under its constitution.
Through the interfaith dialogue, participants reaffirmed that true peace must begin from the grassroots — in communities, homes, and hearts — as the foundation for national unity and sustainable development.
— Hobnob News
