Pope Francis met with young leaders from Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions at the Vatican, as part of the "Meaning Meets Us" event. This interfaith initiative is co-organized by Middle Meets at Hebrew University and Tel-Aviv University, Scholas Occurrentes, the University of Meaning, and the University of Notre Dame. Throughout the event, participants shared their perspectives on fostering mutual understanding in divided societies. Created in response to the tragic events of October 2023, the initiative aims to establish enduring principles for interfaith dialogue while addressing complex challenges such as antisemitism, anti-Islamism, and nationalism, and promoting constructive discourse.

 

Gathering for Dialogue

Young leaders from Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions came together in Rome for a groundbreaking interfaith initiative. Between February 2-5, the Vatican hosted Meaning Meets Us, an event co-organized by Middle Meets at Hebrew University, Tel-Aviv University, Scholas Occurrentes, the University of Meaning, and the University of Notre Dame. 

Against a backdrop of deep societal polarization, this gathering seeks to address the global crisis of meaning, emphasizing education and dialogue as tools for understanding and peacebuilding.

Taking place at the Vatican and various sites across Rome, the program brings together participants from Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions. They engaged in interactive educational and artistic activities designed by Scholas, alongside specialized sessions led by Middle Meets. This initiative was originally conceived in response to the tragic events of October 2023, when Hamas launched attacks on Israel. In the wake of these events, students at Hebrew University sought to foster spaces for mutual listening and constructive conversation—an effort that has since evolved into a transformative model for interfaith dialogue.

 

Meeting Pope Francis

A key highlight of the event was an audience with Pope Francis on February 5. During this meeting, the young participants presented the insights and conclusions they have developed throughout the gathering, offering their perspectives on fostering mutual understanding in divided societies.

 

Professor Elitzur Bar-Asher Siegal, who leads the Middle Meets initiative at the Hebrew University, emphasized the significance of this moment: “While academia today struggles to find the balance between freedom of expression and respectful dialogue, between silencing and protecting rights, this project seeks to remind us that academia should be a space for honest, analytical discourse grounded in knowledge. Through the collaboration between Scholas and Middle Meets, we combine methods of intellect and emotion to foster genuine and courageous dialogue. When this happens amidst a conflict between nations at war, it offers hope for a better future.”

 

"While academia today struggles to find the balance between freedom of expression and respectful dialogue, between silencing and protecting rights, this project seeks to remind us that academia should be a space for honest, analytical discourse grounded in knowledge." - Professor Elitzur Bar-Asher Siegal, the Hebrew University

 

“This encounter is not just an event; it is proof that interfaith dialogue is both possible and necessary. It is an invitation for the world to see that young people can lead change through encounter and listening. It is particularly meaningful to hold this gathering in Rome during the Jubilee Year, where forgiveness and hope take center stage,” said José María del Corral, President of Scholas Occurrentes.

 

"When pain and fear dominate, we chose dialogue. Especially after October 7th, I realized how vital it is to listen, to share, and to see the humanity in the other side. It’s not easy, but it’s the first step toward true healing and shared hope" concluded Khitam Bader, a Facilitator of Interfaith and Interethnic Dialogue Groups, who leads the emotional component of Middle Meets activity.

 

"When pain and fear dominate, we chose dialogue. Especially after October 7th, I realized how vital it is to listen, to share, and to see the humanity in the other side." - Khitam Bader, Facilitator of Interfaith and Interethnic Dialogue Groups

 

Middle Meets is spearheaded by Professor Elitzur Bar-Asher Siegal in collaboration with a diverse student leadership team, including Jewish and Palestinian students from Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University. Hosted under the auspices of Hebrew University’s Faculty of Humanities, the initiative facilitates proactive, student-led dialogues between Jewish and Palestinian university students, incorporating participants from across Israel and the United States.

 

The Mission of Middle Meets

The overarching goal of Middle Meets is to cultivate a sustainable framework for navigating complex conversations. The initiative is committed to tackling challenging topics—including antisemitism, anti-Islamism, Judeo-centrism, and Palestinian-centrism—while fostering a climate of informed and compassionate discourse. As a student-driven initiative, Middle Meets seeks to create lasting principles for interfaith and intercultural engagement, challenging hate speech across the political spectrum and promoting constructive dialogue both online and in person.

 

For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the University, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by nine Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the University’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en