The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has called for renewed efforts to end the cycle of religious violence in Nigeria, stressing that the country’s repeated attacks on both Christian and Muslim communities have left deep scars that must be healed for peace to prevail.
Speaking in Abuja during a programme titled “Co-existence and Dialogue among Abrahamic Faiths,” Freeman said true peace can only emerge when Nigerians begin to rebuild trust and understanding from their communities upward, rather than relying solely on political or diplomatic efforts.
“Nigeria has endured painful losses from attacks targeting both Christians and Muslims. Every act of violence tears at the nation’s social fabric,” Freeman stated.
“Lasting peace is not achieved in government offices or global summits it starts within homes, neighbourhoods, schools, and places of worship.”
The envoy urged Nigerians to embrace compassion, dialogue, and mutual respect, describing these qualities as the foundation for genuine coexistence.
According to him, peace cannot be defined simply as the absence of conflict but must be nurtured through a shared commitment to humanity and mutual understanding.
“Coexistence is about empathy, tolerance, and partnership,” he said. “It is a decision to build bridges rather than walls and to see diversity as a powerful force for unity, not division.”
Freeman noted that the message of interfaith harmony has become more critical as divisions and intolerance continue to rise globally.
He highlighted Israel’s experience as an example of how people of different faiths can coexist peacefully despite ideological differences.
“In Israel, Jews, Muslims, and Christians live and work together every day,” he said.
“Our hospitals treat every patient equally; our universities welcome students from all backgrounds; and our parliament represents voices from every community. It is not a perfect system, but it is a living example of cooperation.”
He also expressed optimism about expanding the Abraham Accords to bring more nations into what he described as a “circle of peace and prosperity,” while emphasising the importance of deepening Israel-Nigeria relations in sectors such as technology, agriculture, education, and security.
“Our partnership with Nigeria must be anchored in respect and shared values,” Freeman added. “Both nations have much to learn from each other in building resilience and innovation through unity.”
The Abuja event brought together religious figures from Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, including Rabbi Israel Uzan, Archbishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa, Imam Kabir Muhammad, Rabbi Menachem Chitrik, Dr Duke Akamisoko, and Imam Muhammed Ashafa.
Collectively, the leaders agreed that fostering interfaith harmony requires empowering youth, strengthening community leadership, and promoting local dialogues that bridge divisions across Nigeria’s diverse population.
In their joint message, they called on Nigerians to look beyond religious and ethnic differences, embrace forgiveness, and work together toward a more peaceful and inclusive nation.