The Rossing Centre: Cultivating Connection and Promoting Peace in the Holy Land
- Mike O'Brien
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
In a region often marked by division, the Rossing Centre for Education and Dialogue stands as a beacon of hope. This Jerusalem-based, interreligious, and peacebuilding organization is dedicated to fostering a truly shared society for all in Israel and Palestine. With a diverse staff of Jews, Christians, and Muslims, the Rossing Centre is building a better future one conversation, one classroom, and one community at a time.
A Vision of Shared Societies
At the heart of their work is the vision of a society able to embrace religious, ethnic, and national diversity as a source of strength rather than threat. They believe that through connection, justice, and equality, Israelis and Palestinians can live together in peace. This vision is not a passive dream but a determined call to action - a commitment to the necessary hard work of dialogue and education necessary to dismantle prejudice and develop trust.
A Legacy of Bridge-Building
Founded in 2006, the Rossing Centre carries on the legacy of its founder, Daniel Rossing, who dedicated over forty years of his life to interfaith relations in Israel. Originally the Jerusalem Centre for Jewish-Christian Relations (JCJCR), the organization has grown into a leading force in the field of interreligious education and encounter. With a strategic approach that combines grassroots engagement with high-level partnerships, the Rossing Centre has collaborated with over 140 religious, educational, and public bodies, including the Israeli Ministry of Education and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Programs for Change
The Rossing Centre's impact is felt through its wide array of programs that engage over 10,000 individuals each year. These initiatives are designed to equip people with the skills and values of inclusivity, creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and encounter. Some of their key programs include:
Dialogue and Identity: This program brings together Jewish, Christian, and Muslim schoolchildren to build relationships and develop intercultural communication skills.
Open House in Ramle: This community hub provides a space for the city's diverse residents to come together and build a shared society.
Educating for Change: This program empowers educators to facilitate difficult conversations about conflict, promoting respect for diversity in the classroom.
Meeting Place: This initiative fosters a more inclusive campus environment for Jewish, Christian, and Muslim students through joint study and dialogue.
Jerusalem Center for Jewish – Christian Relations
"Know Your Neighbor": A Digital Bridge of Understanding
A standout example of the Rossing Centre's innovative approach is the "Know Your Neighbour" program. This online resource provides a reliable and accessible database of information about Christianity, Judaism, and Islam in the Holy Land. Available in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, the platform offers insights into the traditions, beliefs, and practices of different religious communities, actively combating stereotypes and fostering mutual respect. In a region where disinformation can be a significant barrier to understanding, "Know Your Neighbour" provides a vital tool for education and connection.
In a land rich with history and layered with complexity, the work of the Rossing Centre is more important than ever. By championing education, dialogue, and a relentless commitment to a shared future, they are changing hearts and minds. To learn more about their vital work and how you can support their mission, visit the Rossing Centre's website.
The Rossing Centre and their work is one of several sources of inspiration for:
The idea that positive change and growth occur through connection is central to our concept of pilgrimage. We hope that an increased understanding of the land, its history and the diversity of all its inhabitants will lead us deeper in connection to Christ and each other.
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