Ramadan and Lent Reflection

Day 3: Patience

Sabr In Arabic

In Palestine, Ramadan and Lent meet under the same sky of waiting and hope. Palestinian Muslims and Christians walk side by side, fasting, praying, and holding onto faith amid uncertainty. Our holy seasons remind us that patience is not weakness, and hope is not naïve , it is resistance. In homes lit by candles and hearts shaped by loss, faith becomes an act of love and steadfastness. We believe that justice, like faith, takes time - and that dignity, compassion, and peace will one day rise from this land where prayers never stop.

— Said Durzi Zarzar - Bethlehem

Colossians 1:11

‘May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience.’

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:153

“O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”

Please note:

The Biblical quotations are from the NRSV.
The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic. This English version is a translation intended to convey the meaning, but some subtleties and depth of the original language may not be fully reflected.

Access each day's reflections here

FODIP

FODIP projects have involved over 800 people, many of them under 24 years of age.

FODIP has developed specialised methods and approaches for dialogue and understanding perspectives other than one’s own.

Since 2008, FODIP has been privileged to work with many organisations and faith institutions across the UK.

We can provide help and expert advice, including at national level and have provided one-off workshops, events and training.

Our methodology enables constructive dialogue to help those of all ages to enage with difficult interfaith issues in a safe space.

Not all encounters are easy and some things are difficult to hear. The conflict impacts on our emotions and sense of identity.

Our methodology is designed to highlight the influences and experiences of each participant, and to use the skills of dialogue and focused learning to understand what it means for ‘the other’. Inspiring and developing the leaders of tomorrow through our youth programmes is a priority.

We use a range of activities and tools to assist in this.

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Testimonials

"Interacting with different people of different faiths and cultures has removed assumptions and barriers that I previously had. It has also showed me to appreciate the fact that there is more than one side to the conflict and the need to be empathetic and understanding as well as having an open mind.Most importantly it is a safe place for people of all and non faiths to come together as friends and respect each other for their views. It has had a really positive impact on my own views and gives me great hope for the future that our communities can have great relationships and friendship."
Yossi

“The sessions that I have participated in with FODIP have inspired me greatly and allowed me to gain an understanding of how important discussions are and asking questions to those who have first-hand experience and knowledge of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
(Youth participant)

"As a young teenager I didn't spend much time thinking about the Israel-Palestine situation. Like many people, I had a simplistic understanding of the conflict where I presumed Israel was right, Palestine was wrong, and all Muslims supported terrorism. However, my participation in FODIP provided me with a unique opportunity to engage in conversations with Muslim (Christian) youth and gain a more nuanced understanding of the conflict. Through these discussions, I was exposed to perspectives and experiences that challenged my preconceived notions and helped me to see the issue from more than one perspective.
As a result of these conversations, I now find myself holding both pro-Israel and pro- Palestine positions, recognizing the complexities of the conflict and the need for a peaceful resolution that considers the rights and needs of both peoples. I'm grateful to FODIP for providing me with the opportunity to learn, grow, and engage in respectful dialogue with others who may hold different views than my own."
Elozor

“To be honest, we were in two minds as to whether to hold this [FODIP event] at all. However, from the feedback we have received to date it is clear that many of the participants learned a lot from it, particularly as many of the comments made were not the ones that people were necessarily expecting.” (Community leader)

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Faith & Community Leader

“This has been a very difficult subject for [us] to discuss together as the plight of Israelis and Palestinians is one close to our hearts.

Muslims and Jews don’t always see eye to eye on the conflict but this event enabled us to hear and see just how deeply many of us feel about it and how it effects our daily lives”

Latest news

FODIP Programme Director Honored with Global Ambassador Award

We are delighted to announce that Sadia Akram, our Programme Director, was honored with the Global Ambassador Award at the University of Salford's Alumni Achievement Awards. This prestigious recognition acknowledges her exemplary and impactful work in civic engagement, interfaith dialogue, and community cohesion.

The award underscores Sadia's exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment, and significant contributions to local communities throughout the UK. FODIP proudly celebrates this achievement and expresses profound gratitude for her invaluable dedication.