Summit Goals and Expectations

The objective of this summit is to convene interfaith leaders who serve rural America for the purpose of advancing an understanding of the definitions of antisemitism and Islamophobia and related forms of hatred and bias; elevating the lived experiences of those in rural America who have been discriminated against on the basis of religious identity; learning what is currently being done about it; and identifying ways interfaith leaders can contribute to the work.

Tri-Faith Initiative, an interfaith education nonprofit known for its nationally unique Tri-Faith Commons, is proud to bring together government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and religious institutions to the Heartland to promote cross-community solidarity and address these critical issues of discrimination and bias. It is only when we break out of institutional silos, build on one another’s insights, and combine resources that we can begin to meaningfully dismantle the structures that fuel hatred toward Jews, Muslims, and other religious minorities; the Summit to Counter Antisemitism, Islamophobia and Related Forms of Hatred and Bias in Rural America represents a rare opportunity to do just that.

Summit participants can expect a synthesis of powerful personal narratives with the latest data and expert analysis of trends, culminating in allyship practices that can be sown and grown in any size community. Grounded in the reality of the threat that white nationalism and domestic terrorism pose to American communities of every size, this summit offers an understanding of positive interfaith relationships as a matter of community security and economic stability.