The keynote speaker event at the first Festival of Faiths event in 2007 was a dynamic conversation between Judea Pearl & Akbar Ahmed, a Jewish professor and a Muslim ambassador. Good will was in abundance as we sought to further interfaith dialogue and understanding.

On the other hand, we have also seen the opposite, if only in the news...division, violence, and tragedy driven by religious extremism. We must remind ourselves that how we respond to such modern challenges will not only shape our future...but indeed define our civilization. The stakes are high.

After race, religiously motivated attacks are the second most common form of hate crime in the world today. And yet, education in matters of religious diversity and toleration, both here at home and around the world, is remarkably deficient. Add to that, the vast majority of people engaged in interfaith work are not the younger generation but are those over fifty years old. Put it all together, and the consequences become a matter of profound concern. For this reason we invite you to come hear a young man who is making a difference.