Written by: The South African Friends of Israel (SAFI)
Article source: Supplied
The South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) proudly announces the successful launch of the Abrahamic Promise Initiative, a long-term peacebuilding dialogue designed to reshape public discourse on the Middle East in South Africa, through faith-based diplomacy and partnerships.
Throughout August, the initiative hosted its first series of gatherings with internationally renowned peace activist Loay Alshareef, whose remarkable personal journey from radicalisation to reconciliation captured audiences and set the tone for the programme’s mission.
The opening event in Johannesburg recently brought together a select group of leaders from politics, traditional structures, faith communities, and business, alongside representatives from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Facilitated by the Chair of Voice to Parliament, and former ACDP Member of Parliament, Marie Sukers, the evening offered an honest, thought-provoking exchange on the theme “Israel: A Muslim, Jewish and Christian Perspective,” and underscored the importance of multifaith dialogue in shaping a more constructive national conversation during times of conflict.
The Initiative reached hundreds more at LoveKey Church in Cape Town, where Pastor Heinz Winckler hosted Loay Alshareef and SAFI’s Executive Director, Daniel Jacobi. The gathering drew 450 people in person and more than 3000 viewers online, demonstrating the depth of solidarity and interest in a new paradigm of engagement with Israel.
LoveKey’s longstanding commitment to public prayer and support for Israel gave the event a deeply spiritual dimension that resonated strongly with attendees. Loay Alshareef shared his story of transformation, and highlighted the power of dialogue and empathy in dismantling prejudice and building bridges of understanding across faiths and communities.
Together, these inaugural engagements affirmed the Abrahamic Promise Initiative’s ability to amplify stories of hope, encourage dialogue across divides, and unite South Africans of diverse backgrounds behind a shared vision of peace, coexistence, and partnership with Israel. The programme was inspired by the Abraham Accords, the landmark normalization agreements signed in 2020 between Israel and several Arab nations.
“The Abraham Accords showed the world that reconciliation and mutual respect can triumph over division,” said Bafana Modise, National Spokesperson of SAFI. “With the Abrahamic Promise Initiative, we aim to bring this same spirit of dialogue and cooperation to South Africa, opening new channels for understanding, collaboration, and hope.”
“There is more that unites the three Abrahamic religions than divides them. Alshareef teaches that, while radical Muslims tend to get most of the publicity, the majority of Muslims support coexistence with, and tolerance of, other monotheistic religions. We need to strengthen their voices” concludes Modise.
The programme’s ongoing activities will include further education and advocacy campaigns across media platforms to challenge harmful propaganda and elevate voices of peace. It will culminate in a trip to Israel in October, with a delegation that includes several senior South African leaders and officials, with the aim to strengthen diplomacy and interfaith partnerships between both nations.
SAFI believes that through credible information, storytelling, and inclusive dialogue, South Africa can play a transformative role in advancing understanding and solidarity across Abrahamic faiths.
“Our vision is a society that values truth, justice, and peaceful coexistence,” added Modise. “This initiative is about equipping communities, leaders, and influencers with the tools to build bridges – not walls – between nations and faiths.”
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Date published: 18/09/2025
Feature image: Supplied
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