Episode Title: Voices of Resilience: Insights from the Berlin Civil Society Program - Part 2

Host: Jessica Eturralde

Episode Summary:

In this special episode, Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC) revisits the Berlin Civil Society Program, co-convened with the IRF Secretariat and Templeton Religion Trust. This second part delves into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) panel, addressing religious freedom, resilience, and societal rebuilding. Key insights also emerge from the IRF Secretariat's new councils focused on corporate engagement and media. This version has an optional ending that includes extra footage from attendees and feedback for the event.

Key Segments & Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction and Recap
• Jessica reflects on the impact of Part 1, which covered the IRF Secretariat's new Academic Council, remarks from the Berlin program’s opening session, and the Eurasian panel.
• [03:30] Focus on the MENA Region Panel
• Moderated by Suzanne Grisham of MercuryOne, this panel reveals the scars left by ISIS in Iraq and Syria, highlighting local leaders' resilience. Mayor Issam Bhnam Matti of Qaraqosh, Iraq, shares the challenges of rebuilding and the crucial role of community resilience.
• [12:00] Insights from Dr. Mirza Dinnayi
• Dinnayi, founder of the House of Coexistence in Sinjar, Iraq, discusses rehabilitation efforts for Yazidi youth and the need for self-administered zones to enhance minority security. He stresses the urgency of international support for marginalized groups.
• [20:15] Education for Peace with Brikene Krasniqi
• Krasniqi of Hardwired Global emphasizes how educational initiatives in Iraq’s Nineveh Plains are transforming schools and promoting peace among youth. She discusses the success of these programs and calls for expanded global support.
• [29:30] Update from Nazira Goriya
• Although initially absent due to travel issues, Rima, who later accompanied Goriya--also from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria-- gives a message for our listeners from her perspective on local governance and the benefits of autonomy for minority security.
• [35:10] Corporate and Media Councils: Expanding Influence
• Corporate Council: Eva Witesman of Marriott School of Business explains that companies have a lot to offer in fostering stability and resilience through religious freedom
• Media Council: Rachel Miner of Bellwether International highlights the importance of accurate media representation in addressing human rights and preventing genocide.
• [47:00] Interactive Panel: “What Needs to Be Done”
• Rev. Mae Cannon, Dr, Jocelyn Cesari, Dr. Elizabeth Podromou, and Dr. Dennis Hoover lead an open forum exploring actionable strategies. Highlights include cultural heritage preservation, interdisciplinary scholarship, and positive data-driven outcomes for religious freedom.

Call to Action:

Love Your Neighbor Community aims to support religious freedom and cross-faith dialogue through radio and video programming. Follow us on social media to stay updated on our work, and help expand the conversation by sharing this episode!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | lyncommunity.org

Hashtags:

#ReligiousFreedom #SocialCohesion #BerlinCivilSocietyProgram #LYNCRadio

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Show Notes: Special Edition of LYNC RADIO: The Berlin Civil Society Program (Part 1)

Welcome to a special edition of LYNC Radio, where we explore the Berlin Civil Society Program, co-convened by Love Your Neighbor Community in partnership with the IRF Secretariat and Templeton Religion Trust. This episode covers insights from the opening sessions, including the launch of the new Academic Council and highlights from the Eurasian panel.

1. Berlin Civil Society Program:

• Held at the iconic Adlon Kempinski Hotel, the program brought together global leaders to discuss pressing issues related to religious freedom, social cohesion, and resilience.
• The event was convened by the IRF Secretariat, Templeton Religion Trust, and Love Your Neighbor Community.

2. Launch of the IRF Secretariat's Global Academic Council:

• Co-chaired by Rev. Mae Cannon and Jocelyne Cesari, the council seeks to critically examine terms like violence, security, and extremism in the context of religious freedom.
• Jocelyne Cesari stressed that violence can be structural, embedded in political and social institutions, often leading to violations of religious freedom.
• Contributions from Dr. Pavol Bargár and Dr. Dennis Hoover emphasized the complexity of structural violence and the need for a more nuanced understanding of extremism and religious privilege.

3. Eurasian Panel Highlights:

• Moderated by Wade Kusack, this panel featured key voices from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Moldova, focusing on multi-faith dialogue and collaboration.
• Speakers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Moldova discussed national efforts to promote tolerance, human rights, and religious freedom in their countries.

4. Key Contributions:

• Dr. Karima Almazroui shared her experience developing a curriculum in the UAE, which promotes tolerance and civic responsibility among over 600,000 students annually.
• Elizabeth Prodromou from Boston College highlighted the link between religious freedom and cultural heritage preservation, using Northern Cyprus as an example.
• Ambassador Robert Řehák discussed the impact of religion on political agendas, particularly in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
• Ghanaian MP Godfred Seidu Jasaw emphasized the role of parliamentarians in safeguarding religious freedom and civil liberties.

5. The Role of Religious Leaders:

• Religious leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Moldova shared stories of multi-faith cooperation and friendship, reinforcing the importance of relationships in addressing global challenges and promoting social cohesion.

• Learn more about Love Your Neighbor Community: LYN Community
• WATCH LYNC INTERVIEW + LYNC TALK on YouTube!
• Follow LYNC on social media:
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• For more information, including access to blogs, radio programs, and video shows, visit lyncommunity.org.
• IRF Secretariat Civil Society Program, Berlin, October 8-10. Visit IRFsecretariat.org for registration details.

[00:00] – Introduction

Host Jessica Eturralde introduces the episode’s key topics, including LYNC’s new media initiative, USCIRF's reauthorization, and upcoming events in Berlin.

[00:25] – New Media Initiative by LYNC

Love Your Neighbor Community launches a media initiative to promote dialogue between individuals of different beliefs. Listeners are encouraged to like, subscribe, and share to help expand these conversations. More details at lyncommunity.org.

[01:15] – USURF Act of 2024 Reauthorization

On September 23rd, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Act of 2024, extending the Commission’s work until 2026. The bipartisan bill addresses rising religious persecution globally, including in countries like China, Iran, and North Korea. Key advocates included Senators Marco Rubio and Ben Cardin, with support from USCIRF leadership. The bill now awaits President Biden’s signature.

[04:00] – Wade Kusack Attends Nantucket Project

LYNC CEO Wade Kusack attended the Nantucket Project, an annual gathering that explores trauma healing, societal divisions, and pluralism. Notable participants included former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, survivors of the Hamas attack, and Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen.

[06:15] – Berlin Ministerial and Conference on Extremism and Religious Freedom

LYNC partners with the IRF Secretariat and Templeton Religion Trust to host a two-day civil society conference in Berlin. The event will bring majority world voices into conversations on religious freedom and extremism, aiming to build social cohesion and resilience. View IRF Secretariat's event page here: https://irfsecretariat.org/berlin-program/#

[08:00] – Closing Remarks

For more information, including access to blogs, radio programs, and video shows, visit lyncommunity.org.