Interfaith Encounter Day 2026
Celebrating 25 Years of Encounters
Monday, September 7, 2026Jerusalem YMCA
Celebrating 25 years of building relationships across religious and cultural boundaries.
About the Event
On September 7th, 2026, the Interfaith Encounter Association (IEA) celebrates 25 years of bringing people together across religious, cultural, and communal boundaries. To mark this milestone, we are reimagining our annual Interfaith Encounter Day as a community festival that reflects the essence of IEA: encounter, dialogue, belonging, and hope. The event will bring together participants, coordinators, volunteers, partners, and friends of IEA for a day that celebrates both our shared achievements and our vision for the future.
- Encounter
- Dialogue
- Belonging
- Hope
The Day at a Glance
Morning
Morning walking tours
(Optional)
Explore Jerusalem with IEA community members
Afternoon
Afternoon workshops
(Optional)
Interactive workshops and cultural experiences at the YMCA
Evening
Our evening main Anniversary Celebration
Community Fair • Recognition Ceremony • Conversation Circles • Dinner • Interfaith Music Performance by Shira Golan
25th Anniversary celebration
We will gather at the Jerusalem YMCA to celebrate 25 years of the Interfaith Encounter Association and the remarkable community that has grown around it. Through stories, memories, conversation circles and music, we will reflect on the journey that brought us here, celebrate the vibrant network of encounter groups that continues to thrive today, and look ahead to the next generation of interfaith dialogue.
Program
- 16:30Community Fair — “Future of dialogue” creative corner, Language Exchange, Oud playing and “25 years of dialogue” interactive wall
- 17:30Greetings · A brief history of the IEA · Certificates ceremony for graduates of the 2026 Coordinators Course
- 18:15Conversation circles
- 19:00Light dinner
- 19:30Special interfaith performance from Shira Golan with music in Hebrew and Arabic
Optional activities
This year, the Interfaith Encounter Day begins with a selection of workshops and tours offered by members of the IEA community. Led by group coordinators, participants, and friends of our organization, these activities reflect the richness of our network and the many ways in which encounters can take shape.
Walking Tours (Morning)
Workshops (Afternoon)
Please note: the workshops are independently designed and led by members of the IEA community. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed during these activities are those of the facilitators and participants and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Interfaith Encounter Association. We believe that meaningful dialogue is enriched by a diversity of voices and perspectives, and we are grateful to our community members for sharing their knowledge and experiences.
Practical Information
- Date
- Monday, September 7, 2026
- Main anniversary celebration
- 16:30–20:30
- Venue
- Jerusalem YMCA
- Address
- 26 King David Street, Jerusalem
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the beginning of your chosen activity to allow time for check-in.
Refreshments and dinner served will be kosher and vegetarian (dairy, with vegan options).
Payment Methods
Registration and payment are two separate steps. Registering through this page does not complete payment.
The suggested entrance fee of the gala is 60 ₪ per person. If you also selected a workshop or walking tour, you should add the participation fee for that activity.
We encourage anyone to contribute according to their possibilities, and for those who are able — to also subside a friend who cannot pay.
Please include your full name in the payment reference.
For any questions please email: carolina@interfaith-encounter.org
Payment options
Bit
052-488-6787
Paybox
Open PayboxBank transfer
Mercantile Discount Bank (17)
Branch number: 642
Account number: 105172571
Register for the Event
Join us in celebrating 25 years of interfaith dialogue and community building.