Syracuse Sun

In August 2024, Imam Amir Durić and Rabbi Ethan Bair of Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University participated in the Interfaith America Leadership Summit in Chicago. Representing Syracuse University’s Jewish and Muslim communities, they were joined by student representatives Adam Baltaxe ’25 and Avva Boroujerdi ’25.

Last year, a story featured by Syracuse University News and Hendricks Chapel highlighted the friendship and collaboration between Imam Durić and Rabbi Bair, focusing on their efforts to unite their respective chaplaincies through dialogue and community building. This story caught the attention of Interfaith America, leading to a grant that funded the creation of the Jewish-Muslim Fellowship (JMF) at Syracuse University. The JMF provides a space for Jewish and Muslim students to discuss pressing issues and foster relationships under the guidance of Imam Durić and Rabbi Bair. Consequently, Syracuse University was invited to the Interfaith Leadership Summit due to its growing reputation for interfaith engagement.

“Spending time with people from diverse backgrounds reminded me that interfaith cooperation and dialogue are about understanding not only others but also ourselves in the context of a broader, pluralistic society,” said Durić. Founded by Eboo Patel, Interfaith America aims to inspire, equip, and connect leaders to harness America's religious diversity.

Over three days, summit attendees engaged in interfaith dialogue training alongside representatives from more than 20 universities. The event included speakers, dancers, singers, and interactive sessions. Imam Durić and Rabbi Bair were interviewed about their collaboration on the JMF initiative. “Connecting with national interfaith leaders was both grounding and inspiring. Engaging with others on Jewish-Muslim dialogue was a highlight,” said Bair.

Durić participated in a panel titled “Holy Envy: Discovering the Sacred Unexpectedly,” which focused on encountering valuable teachings through interreligious journeys. Leaders from various traditions shared their experiences of holy envy. “The Interfaith America Leadership Summit underscored the importance of interfaith cooperation, especially in an era of increasing polarization. It inspired me to deepen my commitment to building interfaith relationships,” said Durić.

Baltaxe and Boroujerdi connected with campus representatives from various universities, forging strong connections with fellow students and religious leaders. “A common theme at the summit regarded communicating effectively through difficult topics," said Baltaxe. "Following the summit, I was selected as a student advisor for Search for Common Ground’s ‘Blueprint for Belonging’ project.” He expressed excitement about fostering unity both at Syracuse University and nationwide.

For more information about the Jewish Muslim Fellowship and other programs, please visit the Hendricks Chapel website.

Story by Adam Baltaxe ’25 and Dara Harper