Thanks to a Hillel International Interfaith Microgrant, Union Hillel is working to promote dialogue among those with differing beliefs and religious and spiritual practices through its annual Hillel Dialogue and Dinner.
The event is Thursday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. in Everest Lounge.
“Hillel International is committed to students learning from each other,” said Hillel Director Bonnie Cramer, who has served on the Presidential Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “People have to spend time with each other to build real relationships in order to lower the temerature of our current divisive climate.”
Hillel Treasurer Jonathan Fischman ’25, who is helping to organize the event, emphasized that “the goal is to build bridges through meaningful discussion.”
Part of the program will be devoted to introducing students to the pledge created by the Schenectady Clergy Against Hate, a network of Jewish, Sikh, Christian, Muslim and Pagan faith leaders created in 2016 in response to escalating actions and speech rooted in hatred. The coalition is dedicated to encouraging healthy conversations to bring about systemic change.
Protestant Chaplain Tim Coombs, a member of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and SCAH, will present the pledge. Imam Genghis Khan, Muslim Student Adviser and SCAH member, will also take part.
A vegetarian meal will be served. Seating is limited; contact Cramer at cramerb@union.edu to reserve a spot.
Hillel International is the world's largest Jewish campus organization, working with thousands of college students globally to enrich their college experience.