Nothing beats the experience of being on the ground in Israel. After years of building interfaith relations through Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), we decided that our friends and allies needed to experience it for themselves. Given the antisemitism and misunderstandings that our community has faced since October 7, this initiative was particularly important.
For three amazing days, 12 clergy of various Christian and Jewish denominations explored the Holy Land, its history, and its complex present-day challenges together. It was a profound experience of shared discovery, mutual understanding, deeper connections, and a shared vision.
The journey began in Jerusalem, where we walked the ancient stones of the Western Wall Plaza and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. These sites, revered by multiple faiths, served as powerful reminders of our shared spiritual heritage. We reflected on the complexities of a shared society, both in ancient times and today, as we witnessed the delicate balance of different denominations coexisting in these holy spaces.
Our exploration of shared Jewish-Christian origins in the north was particularly moving. At the Jordan River, we contemplated the significance of water in our respective traditions, from Jewish purification rituals to Christian baptism. The Mount of Beatitudes and Capernaum provided opportunities to study Jesus’ teachings in their original Jewish context, fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our faiths.
Perhaps the most impactful moments came as we confronted the contemporary challenges of October 7 and the subsequent war. Visiting Federation partners and friends in Ofakim, Kibbutz Nir Oz, a shared Arab-Jewish School, and the Nova festival site, we heard firsthand accounts from survivors and families of hostages. These encounters were heart-wrenching but also inspiring, as we witnessed the resilience and hope that persists even in the face of tragedy.
Throughout our journey, we were struck by the potential for Israel to be a place of shared society and peace. We visited schools and community centers where Arabs and Jews work and learn together, demonstrating that coexistence is not only possible but already happening in many ways.
As clergy from different faiths, we found ourselves growing closer, developing a deeper understanding and respect for each other’s traditions. We shared moments of prayer, study, and reflection, finding common ground in our values and hopes for the future.
This interfaith mission has reinforced our commitment to building bridges between our communities back home. We return with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to share what we’ve learned and foster greater interfaith cooperation and understanding.
The Land of Israel, with its rich history and complex present, has once again proven to be a powerful catalyst for dialogue and connection. As we depart, we carry with us not only memories of inspiring ancient sites but also a shared vision for a future where people of all faiths can come together in mutual respect and harmony.
Our journey may have ended, but our work to build understanding and peace has only just begun. Our many ministries are united in our passion and compassion for each other and our hopes for the Land of Israel as a shared society. We are grateful for this transformative experience provided by the many funders and supporters of Federation’s work, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our communities and beyond.
Rev. Dr. Reginald Atkins: A Journey That Changed Us
Some journeys change your perspective. Some shift your heart. And then there are those that transform your very soul. Our trip to the Holy Land was one of those experiences—one that deepened our faith, challenged our understanding, and reinforced the power of unity.
It wasn’t just about walking through historic sites or standing in places of biblical significance. It was about experiencing faith in real time—feeling the weight of history, witnessing the power of prayer, and engaging in conversations that bridged cultures, faiths, and experiences. It was about standing in places of both tragedy and hope, and walking away forever changed. This was a pilgrimage of the soul, a journey that connected us to something much greater than ourselves. And the best part? We didn’t experience it alone. We walked this road together—with leaders from across different faiths, with hearts open to understanding, and with a shared desire to learn, grow, and be transformed.
This journey has left a permanent imprint on my heart. And as I share these moments with you, I pray they inspire you as much as they did me. Because once you’ve encountered God in such a tangible way, once you’ve stood in places where history and faith collide, you cannot walk away the same.
Upon arrival on Tuesday, January 28th we met with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, former deputy mayor of Jerusalem for an Israel update. Afterwards we had the opportunity to tour the Old Jerusalem and visit the Western Wall.
The Western Wall—Where Prayers Rise
As we approached the Western Wall, I could feel something shift in the atmosphere. It wasn’t just the history or the architecture—it was the undeniable presence of God.
The Kotel is more than just stone. It represents the presence of God. It is a place where prayers are whispered, written, and placed within its cracks—knowing they are lifted before the Almighty.
As I pressed my own prayer into the Wall, I felt the weight of generations who had come before me. Faith leaders from around the world stood side by side, united in a sacred moment of prayer. One profound lesson I learned is that when you leave the Wall, you don’t turn your back. Instead, you back away slowly, honoring the sacredness of the experience. It was a humbling reminder that in God’s presence, we approach with reverence and leave with a deeper faith. In a world where hate and antisemitism persist, this moment of unity and respect stands as a powerful testament to the strength of shared faith and the importance of standing together against division.
The Jordan River—Where Heaven Touched Earth
Few moments in my life have felt as surreal as standing at the Jordan River—the very place where Jesus was baptized. My wife and I stood by the water, reflecting on the significance of this holy site. This river was more than just a body of water; it was a symbol of renewal, transformation, and purpose. Jesus stood here. Heaven opened here. The voice of God echoed here. It was a powerful reminder of our calling—to live with renewed faith, to walk boldly in purpose, and to surrender fully to God’s plan.
Breaking Bread in the Holy Land—The Jesus Meal
One of the most profound aspects of this journey was the opportunity to connect with leaders from all walks of life. Rabbis, Priests, Bishops, Pastors, and more—all coming together in faith, dialogue, and mutual respect. At one meal, we shared what is called the “Jesus meal”—Peter’s fish and a loaf of bread. A simple meal, yet one that symbolized so much. Faith. Provision. Miracles.
But the most powerful moment? Watching my wife teach and lead our group, calling upon them to be brave in their interfaith work. She said, “People are not ready for what you all are getting ready to bring. They are not ready for it. However, it did not stop Jesus so it should not stop you.” This is what faith looks like—coming together, learning from one another, breaking bread in unity and then continuing to build bridges in our communities.
A Place of Tragedy and a Tree of Hope
Some moments on this trip broke us and filled us with emotions as we visited sites of devastation from the October 7 attacks. We went to the Nova Festival site, where 364 young lives were brutally taken in an act of unimaginable violence. Standing there, looking at the faces of those who were murdered, was overwhelming.
We gathered together as Rabbi Abby Treu of Congregation Oheb Shalom in South Orange, NJ, chanted the El Malei Rachamim prayer. The reality of what had happened—the senseless loss of life, the pain left behind—was almost too much to bear.
A Vision of Unity—The Hagar School
Amidst the pain, we also witnessed incredible hope. In Beer Sheva, we visited the Hagar Arab-Jewish Elementary School—a place where Jewish and Arab children learn together, grow together, and build a future of understanding. Supported by public funds and Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, the Hagar School is an example of what is possible when people choose unity over division. The faculty and student body are fully mixed—Jews and Arabs, teaching and learning together in both languages, fostering real relationships, and creating bridges that extend beyond the classroom. In a world that often focuses on division, this school proves that peace is possible.
This is the answer to hate in the world.
None of this would have been possible without the support, sponsorship, and advocacy of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest. Their commitment to fostering dialogue, bridging divides, and strengthening communities made this experience not just a trip, but a mission.
This journey was not just about visiting holy sites. It was about experiencing faith in action. It was about confronting pain and finding hope together. It was about standing in unity with those different from us and discovering that we are more alike than we realize.
We walked where He walked. We prayed where generations before us have prayed. We stood in places of history, hope, and heartbreak. And we will never be the same.