Photos: Kim Chong
In a demonstration of local interfaith commitment, 30 Jewish, Muslim, and Christian participants gatheredin Western Sydney to participate in Listening Circles. Hosted by the Abraham Conference Organising Committee, of which Columban co-worker Kim Chong is a member on behalf of the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations, these Circles offered a space for individuals to share their raw emotions, griefs, and fears about Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel and the subsequent devastating IDF assault on Gaza.
The initiative was carefully organised to rise above political commentary and focus instead on shared humanity and emotional healing in a space of respectful dialogue. The participants – roughly equal numbers from the three faith communities – were divided into two circles of 15 people each. The setting was intentionally intimate and non-confrontational, emphasising the core principle of speaking from the heart and simply listening to each other’s experiences.
The Circles were expertly and sensitively facilitated by a team of professional mediators: two Jewish and two Muslim women. Their joint leadership immediately set a tone of mutual trust and impartiality, ensuring the space remained safe for all voices. Participants were given uninterrupted time to express their feelings about the war’s impact – the sorrow over the loss of innocent life, the anxiety for family and friends overseas, the fear of rising local prejudice, and the feeling of helplessness in the face of global suffering.
Crucially, the format strictly prohibited debate, rebuttal, or advice-giving. The goal wasn’t to solve the complex political crisis, but to allow participants to witness each other’s pain. This act of being deeply heard, without judgment, proved profoundly therapeutic. After the Listening Circles, participants continued the dialogue socially over food and drink, many meeting for the first time.
This interfaith gathering served as a poignant reminder that even when global events divide communities, local acts of empathy can pave a path toward healing and peace. By simply sitting together and listening, the participants affirmed a truth often overshadowed by conflict: the fundamental desire for safety, peace, and dignity is universal. These Listening Circles have laid a vital foundation for continued interfaith engagement, demonstrating that compassionate listening is perhaps the most powerful tool available for bridging deep divides. The event established a shared sense of profound connection, affirming the possibility of solidarity even amid our conflicted times.
Ms Kim Chong, Media & Community Liaison, Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations