The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has condemned the persistent killings in Nigeria, stressing that attacks on both Christian and Muslim communities have created “wounds that must be healed” for the country to attain sustainable peace.
Naija News reports that Freeman stated this in Abuja on Thursday during a programme titled “Co-existence and Dialogue among Abrahamic Faiths,” where he emphasised that peace must be built from the grassroots, not only through government or diplomatic channels.
“Nigeria has faced painful challenges, including attacks on both Christian and Muslim communities. Each tragedy creates wounds that must be healed,” he said.
“Peace does not begin in government halls or international conferences; it begins in neighbourhoods, in schools, in places of worship, and in our hearts.”
Freeman explained that genuine co-existence requires empathy, dialogue, and mutual respect, noting that this remains the only sustainable pathway to unity and stability in diverse societies.
“Co-existence cannot be mistaken for the mere absence of conflict; it represents the presence of respect, empathy and shared purpose,” he said.
“It is about choosing dialogue over hate, building bridges rather than walls, and recognising that diversity can be a source of strength.”
The envoy said the event could not have been more timely, coming at a period when many parts of the world are grappling with deep divisions and hostility.
Speaking further, Freeman described Israel as a country where interfaith co-existence is lived daily and not seen as an abstract ideal.
“Every day, Jews, Muslims and Christians live, work and study side-by-side,” he said.
“In our hospitals, doctors treat all patients equally; in our universities, students from every background learn together; and in our parliament, voices from every community help shape the nation’s future.”
He added that while Israel’s model of co-existence is not perfect, it is real and cherished. He expressed hope for an expanded Abraham Accords, bringing more nations into the “circle of peace and prosperity.”
Freeman also underscored the need to further strengthen Israel-Nigeria relations, particularly in the areas of innovation, agriculture, education, and security, noting that the partnership must be rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
Naija News reports that the event brought together Islamic, Christian, and Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Israel Uzan, Archbishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa, Imam Kabir Muhammad, Rabbi Menachem Chitrik, Dr Duke Akamisoko, and Imam Muhammed Ashafa.
Collectively, the leaders called for renewed grassroots leadership, youth engagement, and a shared interfaith vision that promotes understanding and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria’s diverse communities.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
