One hundred years after World War I, the Community of Sant`Egidio organized a gathering called “Youth Muslim-Christian Meeting” in Sarajevo.
Sarajevo, capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is famous because it is considered Europe’s Jerusalem. It is a city where the world’s four major religions meet, and together, live a life made of harmony, peace and tolerance.
Sarajevo is also famous because it was where Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assasinated a century ago. In more recent memory, Sarajevo has been known for its war—it was the longest siege of a capital city in the history of modern warfare—just 20 years ago.
The Youth Muslim-Christian Meeting was held Tuesday, May 27, at the Gazi Husrev-beg Library, built in the 16th century, that holds an extensive collection of Islamic manuscripts. More than 100 youth from Bosnia and Europe attended this important meeting.
At the meeting, youth gathered to watch the video, "Living Together is the Future," shared personal testimonies, and listened to very inspiring speeches.
Speakers included: H.E. Husein ef. Kavazovic, Raisu-I-Ulama and Grand Mufti of Bosnia; H.Em. Card. Vinko Puljic, Archbishop of Sarajevo; and Professor Alberto Quattrucci, Secretary General of Peoples and Religions at the Community of Sant’Egidio.
URI youth from Bosnia and Herzegovina took part in this meeting as well, sharing experiences of interfaith work and making connections with other youth.
At the end of the program, all participants read The Peace Appeal:
"We need new courage in the face of difficulties. Gazing into the distance, dialogue in the language made up of sympathy, friendship and compassion has to be created. This common language allows us to talk, seeing the beauty of differences and the value of equality.
“Living together in peace is God's will. Hatred, division, violence, massacres and genocide, do not come from God."
