JUF’s Jewish Community Relations Council partnered with Fierce Women of Faith on May 10 to convene four interfaith discussions about violence. The meetings were part of the Chicago Community Trust’s On the Table initiative.

Held in different locations throughout the city, the conversations engaged a diverse cross-section of women who are working to promote peace and nonviolence in Chicago.

“It was inspiring to see women coming together across communities who share a common commitment to finding solutions to pressing problems impacting our city,” said JCRC Executive Director Emily Sweet. “This type of interfaith engagement is a cornerstone of JCRC’s work.”

Participating organizations included the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Chicago, AJC, Sinai Health System, The Voices and Faces Project, Strides for Peace, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Foundation for Women, and survivors groups.

“The goal is to start a movement, to identify solutions, and these conversations are just the beginning,” said Rev. Dr. Marcenia Richards, founder and executive director of Fierce Women of Faith.