Pope Francis met with young leaders from Muslim, Jewish and Christian traditions at the Vatican, as part of the “Meaning Meets Us” event. This interfaith initiative is co-organised by Middle Meets at the Hebrew University and Tel-Aviv University, Scholas Occurrentes, the University of Meaning and the University of Notre Dame. Throughout the event, participants shared their perspectives on fostering mutual understanding in divided societies. Created in response to the tragic events of October 2023, the initiative aims to establish enduring principles for interfaith dialogue while addressing complex challenges such as antisemitism, anti-Islamism and nationalism, and promoting constructive discourse.
Young leaders from Muslim, Jewish and Christian traditions came together in Rome for a groundbreaking interfaith initiative. From 2-5 February, the Vatican hosted Meaning Meets Us, an event co-organised by Middle Meets at the Hebrew University, Tel-Aviv University, Scholas Occurrentes, the University of Meaning and the University of Notre Dame.
Against a backdrop of deep societal polarisation, this gathering seeks to address the global crisis of meaning, emphasising education and dialogue as tools for understanding and peacebuilding.
Taking place at the Vatican and various sites across Rome, the programme brings together participants from Muslim, Jewish and Christian traditions. They engaged in interactive educational and artistic activities designed by Scholas, alongside specialised sessions led by Middle Meets. This initiative was originally conceived in response to the tragic events of October 2023, when Hamas launched attacks on Israel. In the wake of these events, students at the Hebrew University sought to foster spaces for mutual listening and constructive conversation—an effort that has since evolved into a transformative model for interfaith dialogue.
A key highlight of the event was an audience with Pope Francis on 5th February. During this meeting, the young participants presented the insights and conclusions they have developed throughout the gathering, offering their perspectives on fostering mutual understanding in divided societies.
Professor Elitzur Bar-Asher Siegal, who leads the Middle Meets initiative at the Hebrew University, emphasised the significance of this moment: “While academia today struggles to find the balance between freedom of expression and respectful dialogue, between silencing and protecting rights, this project seeks to remind us that academia should be a space for honest, analytical discourse grounded in knowledge. Through the collaboration between Scholas and Middle Meets, we combine methods of intellect and emotion to foster genuine and courageous dialogue. When this happens amidst a conflict between nations at war, it offers hope for a better future.”
“This encounter is not just an event; it is proof that interfaith dialogue is both possible and necessary. It is an invitation for the world to see that young people can lead change through encounter and listening. It is particularly meaningful to hold this gathering in Rome during the Jubilee Year, where forgiveness and hope take center stage,” said José María del Corral, President of Scholas Occurrentes.
“When pain and fear dominate, we chose dialogue. Especially after October 7th, I realised how vital it is to listen, to share and to see the humanity in the other side. It’s not easy, but it’s the first step toward true healing and shared hope” concluded Khitam Bader, a Facilitator of Interfaith and Interethnic Dialogue Groups, who leads the emotional component of Middle Meets activity.
Middle Meets is spearheaded by Professor Elitzur Bar-Asher Siegal in collaboration with a diverse student leadership team, including Jewish and Palestinian students from Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University. Hosted under the auspices of the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Humanities, the initiative facilitates proactive, student-led dialogues between Jewish and Palestinian university students, incorporating participants from across Israel and the United States.
The overarching goal of Middle Meets is to cultivate a sustainable framework for navigating complex conversations. The initiative is committed to tackling challenging topics—including antisemitism, anti-Islamism, Judeo-centrism and Palestinian-centrism—while fostering a climate of informed and compassionate discourse.
As a student-driven initiative, Middle Meets seeks to create lasting principles for interfaith and intercultural engagement, challenging hate speech across the political spectrum and promoting constructive dialogue both online and in person.
Pictures | Credit: Scholass
Above: Pope Francis with Middle Meets in the Vatican
Below: Middle Meets in the Vatican – Holding a Sweatshirt Signed by Pope Francis and All Participants
For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognised by eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website.