Israeli President Herzog Attends Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Annual Gathering in Haifa
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the Holy Land held its 29th annual gathering in Haifa on September 18-19, 2026. The event was attended by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav, members of Knesset, academics, religious leaders, and foreign dignitaries. Delegations from Jordan and the West Bank also participated.
The gathering's theme was "The Medina Charter Model, Between Prophet Muhammad and the Jews," focusing on the historical document from 622 CE that established rights and responsibilities for all residents of Medina, fostering coexistence. Speakers discussed the charter's relevance to contemporary issues of intercommunal living, mutual responsibility, and the role of religion in peacebuilding.
President Herzog praised the Ahmadiyya community's commitment to peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue, stating, "It is unique and moving to see that, even in this period, we are gathering here together in a spirit of love, brotherhood, peace, and affection, to discuss thought and religious issues. I wish the whole world could see this meeting." He highlighted the community's efforts to foster genuine connection with diverse groups.
Discussions also featured insights from legal and religious figures, including lawyer Iquan Shams, who presented on the Medina Charter as a model for shared citizenship. The community's Amir, Muhammad Sharif Odeh, emphasized principles of sustainable peace, religious freedom, human dignity, and ethical responsibility towards the land, referencing both Islamic and Jewish scriptures.
Several panels and discussions explored themes of shared living, interfaith dialogue, and the role of religion in building peace. Participants included Rabbi Naftali Rotenberg, Bishop Rafiq Nahra, and Rabbanit Adina Bar-Shalom. The closing message stressed that coexistence does not require agreement on all issues but rather a framework for managing differences constructively, moving from fear to trust, and embracing multiple narratives. The importance of intergenerational responsibility and building relationships based on justice and mutual respect was also underscored.
