BUILDING BRIDGES: ABRAHAMIC PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD TODAY

First-Ever Interfaith Series to Air on Bridges Television Network ─ American Muslim TV, November 2006

What is the relationship between religion and violence?  Must your faith tradition be wrong in order for mine to be right?  What is the role of God in a democratic society? 

Building Bridges: Abrahamic Perspectives on the World Today, a new series premiering on November 2 at 8:00 pm EST nationwide on Bridges Television, the first American Muslim TV Network in English, looks at these and other vital questions about the role of religion in America today.  Conceived by Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, a well-known advocate for religious pluralism and spiritual diversity, and Vice President of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, this landmark multi-part series brings religious leaders together from the major faiths ─ Jewish, Christian and Muslim ─ to answer the tough questions dividing our country and world.  From religion and terrorism to abortion to the role of women, the series asks leaders to probe their own traditions for insights on the big issues to create a new listening, understanding, and foundation for bridge building.

“Religion is killing more people than at any time since the Crusades,” said Hirschfield, a noted speaker at the 2006 Fes Festival of World Sacred Music and Colloquium in Morocco, and the 2004 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Barcelona.  “This show is a ‘McLaughlin Group with God,’ in which difference of opinion leads not to denigration, but to exciting conversation, expanding the boundaries of our thinking while respecting our different commitments.”

Each episode addresses the tensions and similarities between the traditions, as well as the conflicts within American society on the key issues polarizing communities.  In addition to Rabbi Hirschfield, featured guests include: Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, founder of the Islamic House of Wisdom, Dearborn Heights, MI; Imam Abdullah Bey El Amin, Executive Director of the Council of Islamic Organizations, Detroit, MI; Imam Yahya Hendi, Muslim chaplain at Georgetown University, Washington, DC; and Rev. Francis X. Mazur, Diocese of Buffalo, NY. Ahmed Soliman, Bridges TV newscaster, is the moderator.  Airing on Mondays at 9:30 pm EST and repeated again on Fridays, the series’ topics include:

● Religion, Violence, and Peace.  Whether called crusades, commanded wars, or jihad, all three of our religions have invoked the name and will of God in the pursuit of violence.  It is too simplistic to claim that such moves are only made by those who have “hijacked” their respective faiths.  How do we understand the place of violence and war in each of our traditions?  Is anything worth fighting for and if so, what – under what circumstances?  How do we understand each of our tradition’s mandates to pursue peace? 

● Why Religion Matters. What is the role of religion in a world that is currently witnessing more religious violence than at any time since the crusades?  Is it time to simply give up, not on any one tradition in particular, but on religion in general?  What is it about religion that contributes not only to the creation of group identity, itself a crucial element of human identity, but to the good of all mankind? 

● God in the American Public Square.  What are the implications of today’s ongoing debates about prayer in public schools, the Ten Commandments in our courthouses, and other civic concerns?  What is the appropriate place for religion in our nation’s public institutions?  How much influence should our religious communities wield?  How do we honor both the religious freedom that is a hallmark of American culture and the place of our particular religion in creating a better world?

“Through this series, American audiences will get to see Muslims in a positive light,” said Imam Abdullah Bey El-Amin.  “Bringing together the three faith traditions for an in-depth look at the issues dividing us is critical in furthering our understanding of each other.  That it was developed by a rabbi who has become my good friend only speaks to what is possible when we get together.” 

To launch “Building Bridges: Abrahamic Perspectives on the World Today,” Bridges TV will air the acclaimed documentary “Freaks Like Me” featuring Rabbi Brad Hirschfield at the 2004 Parliament of the World’s Religions, one of the largest religious gatherings worldwide, where he explores how “the faithful” look at themselves and their attitudes and fears towards other devouts. Filmed in Barcelona, it depicts how the different traditions view violence, justice, and doubt.  (Copies available upon request)

“’Building Bridges’ is an attempt to bring the three Abrahamic faiths together for constructive dialogue at a time when there is so much religious divisiveness, mistrust and misunderstanding,” said Mo Hassan, founder and CEO of Bridges TV.  “Bridges TV tries to reach American Muslim and non-Muslim audiences with fresh programming to strengthen new and developing bonds.” 

Started in 2001, Bridges TV Network was created in response to the anti-Muslim rhetoric pervasive in the U.S. media post-9/11.  Developed for the American Muslim community, it offers a positive alternative, bringing diverse quality shows ─ in entertainment, education, children’s programming, and news ─ to its audiences.  Started by Mo Hassan and his wife, Aasyia Zubair, who were concerned about the impact of negative stereotyping on their children, Bridges TV today reaches close to two million households nationwide through its contracts with Comcast, Verizon FIOS, other cable providers and satellite dish. (A list of markets is available).  Based in Buffalo, NY, Bridges TV attempts to build bridges between American Muslims and other Americans, thereby healing past relationships and creating new ones. 

Find out more about Bridges TV at http://www.bridges.tv/home.asp