Amidst this year’s continued turmoil in the Middle East and elsewhere, a project based on ancient faith and ritual is forging alliances between Jewish and Muslim youth around the world. Children of Abraham 2004 is an internet-based collaboration which has involved over 60 participants (interns) between the ages of 15-21 from 23 countries in the development of an online photo essay that highlights the core similarities between Judaism and Islam. An advanced interactive website has enabled these interns to discuss their work and to engage in frank, probing dialogue on sensitive issues of culture, religion and politics.

The project is a continuation of a similar concept begun last year. This year, however, the project has moved to a higher level of participation that was made possible by using Internet technology. Interns explore their local Muslim and Jewish communities, photographing aspects of religious and communal life in order to become familiar with them, and to compare their findings with their counterparts in the other religion. "Muslims and Jews have learned to see each other with new eyes that focus on inherent similarities between these sister religions, rather than the contemporary political differences that pit them against one another," says Ari Alexander, American born co-director of this year’s project. "Through their research and interactions, our interns have uncovered striking commonalities between Judaism and Islam that have altered their original perception of each others’ faiths, and resulted in a genuine appreciation of both."

Many of the interns came from parts of the world where they have had no contact with the other faith. Maria Ali-Adib, a Syrian co-director of the project, was impressed by the openness displayed by interns during this process of discovery. "We have been deeply moved by the atmosphere of dialogue and candour, encouraged by the project’s focus on atavistic elements of the Jewish and Muslim faith, which has spurred our interns to form friendships across religio-cultural borders. The majority of our interns had never had personal interactions with members of the other ‘side.’ They no longer see ‘sides’, but a movement and community to which they all belong, Muslims and Jews together."

More than 1,500 photo images were collected and some 3,000 postings submitted on the discussion boards. The project will have a fall photo exhibit available to be accompanied with comments from the interns. Current efforts include the formation of Muslim-Jewish dialogue groups by interns in their schools and communities, and a compilation of the summer’s online discussions for use as educational material.

Children of Abraham 2004 was privately financed and currently seeks 501(c)(3) tax exempt status as the Children of Abraham Foundation.