President Reuven Rivlin chaired on Jan. 23 a moving meeting in Paris between leaders of the Jewish and Muslim communities in France. Rabbis and imams sat in a circle and spoke with the Israeli president about dialogue and coexistence between religions and communities in both Europe and the Middle East. While journalists assisted the events, questions were reserved for the participants so they could express themselves freely. In fact, the president did the same.

"There is a widespread belief that religion is at the heart of ethnic tension. But this is a mistake. The belief that links Judaism and Islam must be the key to peace, not a justification for violence. Now, when nationalism and religious extremism are rising in the world and in the West, your leadership is vital," said Rivlin.

This Paris meeting took place at the request of Rivlin, who has in recent years been leading calls to establish and expand interfaith dialogue in Israel and in the region. For Rivlin, the linkage between the Muslim world opening up to ties with Israel and a positive interfaith dialogue is clear. The visits of Netanyahu to Oman and Chad and the discreet contacts with other Gulf states could catalyze warmer relations between Jews and Muslims elsewhere.

Associates of Rivlin explained that the president is generally keen on promoting public dialogues between communities wherever he goes, be it Israel or abroad. When the visit to France was decided, it was obvious that such a meeting would be in the offing. "France is home to the biggest Muslim community in Europe and also to the largest Jewish community in Europe, so the president was very interested in having such a meeting here. Initiatives like this one present concrete steps in the president’s battle against neo-fascist movements, against the rise of anti-Semitism and racism, against extremism and in favor of coexistence. These are all battles that he is truly committed to," said a source close to Rivlin who was speaking on condition of anonymity.