On Wednesday night January 14, 2026, a group of Board members of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals met with a group of Board members of the Peace Islands Institute, a Turkish Muslim organization. Rabbi Jospeph Potasnik, Executive Director of the New York Board of Rabbis, also participated in this gathering. The mentor and spiritual guide of Peace Islands Institute was the late Fethullah Gulen, a remarkable Muslim thinker who fostered respectful relations among all human beings. He believed that Muslims and Jews can and should work together to create a more harmonious society. Our gathering on January 14 was a shining demonstration of friendship and mutual commitment to find areas of cooperation. Each of the participants spoke briefly about their backgrounds, concerns, and hopes. Then there was a lively and candid discussion, not ignoring the obstacles that must be faced. The general consensus was that basic trust is established through personal relationships and friendships. As these friendships develop, the circle of friendship can expand, and hopefully impact on society as a whole. Participants at the meeting will be offering suggestions for future cooperative efforts.
