Interfaith Gathering in the Sukkat Shalom - In Memory of Martin Sessler


On Wednesday, October 8th, members of the Interfaith Initiative in the Negev gathered at the Sukkat Shalom in the Eshel Avraham Conservative Community House in Omer to reflect on interreligious relations. The meeting, held during the Sukkot holiday, was dedicated to the memory of Martin Sessler, a beloved member of the Initiative who passed away shortly before Rosh Hashanah.


This year, the celebration of Sukkot was filled with deep hopes: for a ceasefire, for the safe return of hostages, and for the joyful spirit of Simchat Torah. Remarkably, these hopes were fulfilled, bringing light into a time of uncertainty.

As in previous years, members of the Interfaith Initiative in the Negev came together in the Sukkat Shalom, hosted at the Eshel Avraham Conservative Community House. This year’s gathering was inspired by a heartfelt discussion in a WhatsApp group, where questions arose about how believers of one faith perceive those of another. From this dialogue emerged the theme of the meeting:

“Who is the Other - and What is Our Attitude Toward Them?”

The gathering was dedicated to the memory of Martin Sessler, a cherished member of the Interfaith Initiative, who passed away just before Rosh Hashanah. His son honored the group with his presence, sharing moving stories that reflected Martin’s spirit and legacy.

The meeting began with a presentation of texts compiled by Martin himself - quotes from the Holy Scriptures and the Quran, in both Hebrew and Arabic, centered on the theme of “Respect for the Human Being.” These texts laid the foundation for a rich and meaningful discussion.

Leaders from various faith communities then contributed additional texts, each offering insights into how their traditions understand and relate to the concept of “the other.” Despite differences in language and expression, a shared truth emerged:

We are united by a common spirit - a spirit of mutual respect, brotherhood, love, and a deep yearning for reconciliation and peace.


Martin Sessler (1947–2025) was a Swiss-born philosopher, educator, and interfaith activist who dedicated his life to building bridges between communities in southern Israel. In 1964, he joined the socialist-Zionist youth movement Hashomer Hatzair, and after completing his teacher training and working in Paris, he moved to Kibbutz Magen near the Gaza border in 1970, fulfilling his vision of communal living.

Martin was deeply involved in interreligious dialogue, especially through the Interfaith Initiative in the Negev, where he worked to promote mutual understanding among Jews, Christians, and Muslims. He held a PhD in Jewish Thought from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, where his research focused on the relationship between Halakhic authorities and the Israeli judicial system.

Despite the challenges of living near Gaza - including surviving the October 7th massacre, which he escaped thanks to the heroic defense of his kibbutz - Martin remained committed to peace, education, and community. His legacy continues through the many lives he touched and the initiatives he helped shape.

Engagé pour la paix, la douleur d'un survivant de kibboutz - Vatican News

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