Several years ago, the Milwaukee Jewish Council for Community Relations began laying the groundwork for the planning and implementation of a religious leaders’ trip to Israel with a goal of sharing a Holy Land experience with others for whom this place holds great meaning.
Participants of the trip, which takes place this month, include faith leaders and professional heads of various Christian denominations but unfortunately does not include either of the two Muslims who were invited.
The actions of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, which culminated in their decision to suspend their participation in the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee confirm the value of a careful and relationship-based community relations strategy.
The Israel trip was designed to include a broad spectrum of perspectives and activities, including touring archeological and religious sites, and examining the often complex and sensitive issues on the ground.
Participants on the trip have formed relationships over time, and are secure in the knowledge that this experience will take place in an atmosphere of open dialogue and exploration of common interests among individuals bound by trust.
The trip grew out of the conversations and relationships built during informal monthly breakfast meetings of area religious leaders, some of whom are also involved in the interfaith conference. The breakfast group however, is neither a program of nor directed by the conference.
A good-faith effort was made to extend trip invitations to two representatives from the Islamic Society of Milwaukee; however neither individual, for various reasons, was able to participate on this trip.
Ultimately, the Islamic Society announced that it would suspend its participation in the Interfaith Conference Cabinet as well as the Religious Leaders Breakfast meetings as a result of how the trip arrangements and decisions were handled.
We were surprised and saddened that representatives of the Muslim community responded to this situation with unfounded accusations, politicization and divisive public rhetoric, an approach that runs counter to our goal of respectful interfaith dialogue.
Central to the work of community relations is an ongoing broad-based effort directed to building coalitions, working with others on issues of shared interests and values.
Relationships are often developed quietly, over time, through group dialogue and one-on-one conversations with faith leaders, law enforcement officials, academics, political and civic leaders and other influential people in the community.
Working at the intersection of the Jewish and general community, we strive to foster understanding and mutual respect with our partners, to cultivate strong relationships in many spheres and if needed, to offer a supportive environment when problems arise.
One of 122 Jewish community relations councils affiliated with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the MJCCR plays a crucial role in our community.
As currently structured, the council is a constituent agency of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation but is now engaged in ongoing discussions about a possible merger with the federation.
We maintain several areas of focus, including: counteracting anti-Semitism and discrimination and protecting Jewish security; building support for Israel; promoting social and economic justice; safeguarding equal rights and opportunities; advancing intergroup dialogue and understanding; strengthening intra-communal relationships; coordinating advocacy efforts; and resource clearinghouse and consultation.
In the spirit of our 71-year history, we remain firm in our resolve to continue the work of building relationships and working in coalition with others. This situation in particular helps cement our belief that being present at the table is critical to our work.
And while we understand that not every outcome will be satisfactory to all parties, we are committed to the work of proactive engagement with others and the slow, quiet progress that comes from years of work, outside of the media spotlight.
As discussions about the future shape and structure of the MJCCR move forward, I trust that council and federation leadership will keep in mind the importance of this work and the relationships it fosters, and how strong community relations help to ensure the security of our community, promote interfaith dialogue, enhance quality of life and support our commitment to the Jewish value of tikkun olam.
Kathy Heilbronner is the interim executive director of the Milwaukee Jewish Council for Community Relations.
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