Inaugural Youth Parliament of World Religions

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Over five hundred young people from across NSW gathered in Sydney last night for the inaugural ‘Youth Parliament of World Religions ’ with two  AUJS leaders, Elenore Levi and Avia Madar addressing the packed gathering.

Avia Madar (2nd left) and Elenore Levi (3rd left) Glen Falkenstein (4th from right)

Glen Falkenstein, a policy analyst at the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), co-host of the inaugural Parliament and Jewish representative on the Parliament organizing committee commented:

“It was heart-warming to see hundreds of emerging leaders from so many different communities come together to celebrate diversity and discuss ways we can work together to strengthen multiculturalism in Australia,” said Falkenstein.

“This was a key opportunity for young people in Australia to come together and express how they can contribute to enhancing multi-faith relations and inter-community cohesion. We saw people reach out to each other, discuss their communities and faiths, and establish commitments to further dialogue and co-operation.”

Youth Parliament of World Religions co-hosts Glen Falkenstein from the Jewish community and Ashleigh Green from the Christian community address the inaugural event

“The organizing committee has been working on the Parliament for several months, it was phenomenal to see such a strong interest and we are looking forward to continuing the conversation.”

The gathering was addressed by representatives from the Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Bahai’, Buddhist and Jewish communities, amongst others. State MP Jihad Dib participated in the group discussions, along with Ms Dai Le, Advisory Board Member to Multicultural NSW.

AUJS Vice-Chairperson Elenore Levi said: “This forum tonight is such an important way in which, through dialogue, we can break down any perceived or real barriers between communities, celebrate diversity, and share our experiences as young people in our respective religious and cultural groups. This kind of interfaith dialogue leads to action, and action evokes change.

The Australasian Union of Jewish Students and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, on behalf of the wider Jewish community, feel privileged to be a part of the work of the Youth Parliament of the World’s religions. We acknowledge the incredible work that has gone in to creating a better, more inclusive Australia, and are continually reminded that irrespective of our religious, cultural or ethnic differences we all exist as brothers and sisters living beneath the same skies.”