The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Freeman, has underscored the need to deepen Israel-Nigeria dialogue on peace building and economic cooperation to strengthen sustainable growth between both countries.

Freeman made this known at a program titled “Co-existence and Dialogue among Abrahamic Faiths,” held on Thursday in Abuja.

The event was collaboratively organized by the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria, the Halleluyah Society for the Promotion of Israeli Culture in Nigeria, ChabadAid Humanitarian Aid for Nigeria, and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

Freeman emphasized the importance of embracing co-existence and unity as pathways to sustainable peace and progress, noting that such values can only thrive in an environment built on dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect.

He noted the relevance of the meeting, saying: “This event is timely, coming at a time when so many parts of the world are struggling with division and misunderstanding.”

Defining the core concept, the Ambassador explained that “Co-existence cannot be mistaken for the mere absence of conflict; it represents the presence of respect, empathy and shared purpose.”

He continued, stating that “It is about choosing dialogue over hate, building bridges rather than walls, and recognising that diversity can be a source of strength.”

He highlighted Israel’s own experience with these values: “Co-existence is practiced in Israel as a lived reality rather than a distant ideal. Every day, Jews, Muslims and Christians live, work and study side-by-side. In our hospitals, doctors treat all patients equally; in our universities, students from every background learn together; and in our parliament, voices from every community help shape the nation’s future.”

Freeman acknowledged the limitations while affirming hope, adding: “Israel’s co-existence is not perfect, but it is real and cherished. It is not limited by borders, and we continue to hope and work for the expansion of the Abraham Accords, so that more nations join the circle of peace and prosperity,” he said.

Freeman described Nigeria as a country that had equally faced painful challenges, including attacks on both Christian and Muslim communities, noting that each tragedy created wounds that must be healed.

He stressed that sustainable peace must begin at the grassroots level, not exclusively within political or diplomatic circles, asserting: “Peace does not begin in government halls or international conferences; it begins in neighbourhoods, in schools, in places of worship, and in our hearts,” he said.

The envoy reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Nigeria through innovation, agriculture, education, and security, adding that such collaboration would be founded on mutual respect and shared values.

The event also featured discussions by Islamic, Christian, and Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Israel Uzan, Archbishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa, Imam Kabir Muhammad, Rabbi Menachem Chitrik, Dr. Duke Akamisoko, and Imam Muhammed Ashafa, who collectively called for grassroots leadership, youth engagement, and a shared vision for the future.