Interfaiths

Join host Prof. Iqbal Akhtar for a conversation with Jenny Pearson about her transition from leading community engagement at the Arsht Center to navigating complex interfaith dynamics at the Jewish Federation.Jenny opens up about her upbringing in New York and Florida, her drive to push the boundaries of Jewish culture beyond "Fiddler on the Roof," and her instinct to return to Jewish community work post-October 7th. They explore the necessity of crossing the aisle, the nuances of the Jewish diaspora in Miami, and how emotional connection can transcend ideological differences.Show Notes & Key Takeaways:[00:00:00] Introduction: Professor Iqbal Akhtar welcomes Jenny Pearson from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.[00:00:58] Early Life & Identity: Jenny discusses growing up between New York and Florida in an observant Reform home and the experience of being Jewish in non-Jewish neighborhoods.[00:04:15] Arts for Social Change: How Jenny’s career began in community-engaged arts, bridging cultural gaps through creativity.[00:06:05] Reimagining Tradition: A look at how Jenny produced a contemporary art interpretation of the Passover Seder to push the boundaries of Jewish culture.[00:11:30] The "Guava Rugelach" Festival: Celebrating the unique intersection of Miami culture and the global Jewish diaspora through music.[00:15:20] The Impact of October 7th: Jenny explains her professional pivot from general arts administration back to specific Jewish advocacy and community relations in the wake of the conflict.[00:16:45] Introducing "Rekindle Miami": Launching a new 6-month cohort for young adults focused on strengthening Black-Jewish relations and discussing racism and antisemitism together.[00:19:00] Navigating Polarization: Strategies for having difficult conversations about Gaza, misinformation, and political divides.[00:23:00] Beyond the Binary: Building deep friendships across the political aisle by focusing on shared values and life experiences rather than ideology.[00:26:30] Advice for Students: Jenny’s advice on finding your professional path: "Do what you love" and follow the work that gives you energy.Interfaith, Miami, Jewish Federation, Black-Jewish Relations, Community Engagement, Arts for Social Change, Dialogue, Rekindle Miami, FIU.

In this episode, Professor Iqbal Akhtar interviews Philip Louisa, a graduate student in Politics, International Relations, and Religious Studies at FIU. Born in Tanzania and raised between the UK and the US, Philip shares his personal transition from a cultural Catholic upbringing to a deep Protestant faith.The conversation moves from personal spirituality to academic research, focusing on the geopolitical challenges of Christian communities in the Global South. Philip unpacks the complexities of the conflict in Nigeria, arguing that it is not a monolithic religious war but a multi-layered struggle involving ethnicity and economics. The discussion also covers the status of Christians in Northern India, the impact of anti-conversion laws, and the unique "under-churched" religious landscape of Miami.Key Topics & Statistics:Conflict in Nigeria: Philip discusses the violence in Nigeria, citing estimates of 100,000 deaths in recent years linked to persecution and conflict. Nigeria’s population is deeply divided, roughly 53.5% Muslim (predominantly in the North) and 45.9% Christian (predominantly in the South), creating a volatile fault line that groups like Boko Haram exploit.Minority Status in India: The episode highlights the challenges of the Christian minority in India. While Christianity has historic roots in the subcontinent, it remains a small minority, comprising approximately 2.3% of the population (roughly 28 million people) in a nation of 1.4 billion, facing increasing pressure from religious nationalism.Advice for Seekers: Philip encourages students to bypass YouTube "talking heads" and engage directly with primary scriptures (the Bible and Quran) and local faith leaders to understand religious traditions authentically.Show Notes[00:00:00] Introduction: Professor Iqbal Akhtar introduces Philip Louisa, a graduate student in Religious Studies and International Relations at Florida International University.[00:01:11] A Global Upbringing: Philip discusses his early life in Tanzania and Wales, his father’s academic influence, and early exposure to Buddhist traditions via Sri Lankan caretakers.[00:05:00] Science & Faith: How growing up with a scientist father helped Philip reconcile biblical narratives with scientific worldviews early on.[00:06:40] Spiritual Transition: Philip chronicles his journey from a "cultural Catholic" to a period of agnosticism, and finally to finding a deep, authentic Protestant faith in adulthood.[00:08:10] Research Spotlight: India: A look at the situation of Christians in Northern India, the impact of anti-conversion laws, and the historical struggle for the growth of Christianity in the subcontinent.[00:11:05] Research Spotlight: Nigeria: Dissecting the North-South divide in Nigeria. Philip argues that while groups like Boko Haram exploit religion, the conflict is deeply layered with ethnic, political, and economic grievances.[00:14:28] The Miami Religious Landscape: Observations on Miami as an "under-churched" city and the unique opportunities for interfaith engagement in a diverse Afro-Caribbean diaspora.[00:18:01] Advice for Students: Why students should prioritize reading primary scriptures (Bible, Quran) and speaking to local leaders over listening to online "talking heads."

In this episode of Interfaiths, Dr. Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Jon Warech, the Executive Director of Hillel at Florida International University. Jon shares his unique personal journey from a career in entertainment journalism and Hollywood back to his roots in North Miami Beach to serve the Jewish community.Together, they explore the evolving landscape of Jewish student life at a public university. The conversation delves into:The Role of Hillel: Moving beyond traditional misconceptions to discuss how Hillel acts as a center for education, Israel engagement, and a safe haven against antisemitism.Post-October 7th Realities: How the mission has intensified recently, the unique supportive atmosphere at FIU compared to other campuses, and the importance of distinct student voices over outside agitators.The Meaning of Israel: A look at the emotional and historical connection American Jews hold with Israel as a safeguard against history repeating itself.Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): A candid discussion on the challenges of applying this central Jewish tenet in a polarized 2025 society.The "Miami Factor": How Miami’s close-knit, family-like dynamic fosters a unique environment for interfaith relations, contrasting with other major cities like New York or Los Angeles.Key Stat: The discussion highlights the shared reality of minority faith groups in the U.S., noting that the Jewish population constitutes approximately 2% of the American population and 0.2% of the global population, underscoring the vital need for Jewish-Muslim partnership.Guest: Jon Warech, Executive Director, Hillel at FIU Host: Dr. Iqbal Akhtar, Florida International University

In this episode of Interfaiths, we sit down with Jason, an undergraduate student at Florida International University, to explore the diverse textures of modern Jewish identity. Jason shares his unique backstory growing up in Porto, Portugal—a city where he was often the only Jewish person his age—and the culture shock of moving to Miami’s vibrant, highly visible Jewish community.The conversation delves into the realities of student life post-October 7th, including:The Diaspora Experience: Contrasting the tight-knit, reviving community of Porto with the expansive Jewish life in South Florida.Campus Climate: A candid discussion on the rise of antisemitism, including a firsthand account of aggressive protests at FIU and the distinction between political speech and hate speech.Zionism & Identity: How students navigate the complexities of connection to Israel alongside political nuance.The Imperative for Dialogue: Why Jason believes that despite deep divides, Jews and Muslims have a responsibility to act as ambassadors for their communities.Join us as we discuss how shared values—like the belief that saving one life is akin to saving all of humanity—can help embolden the peaceful majority to bridge the gap during difficult times.

In this episode of the Interfaiths Project, Professor Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Haridas, the secretary of the Sacred Vedic Arts Temple in Miami, for a deep dive into the intersection of personal identity, devotion, and religious transition.Born into a Jewish family in New York, Haridas shares his candid story of navigating corporate anxiety and spiritual emptiness before discovering the transformative power of Kirtan and Bhakti Yoga. He discusses his transition into the monastic life as a Brahmachari in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, explaining the theology behind his vows of renunciation and the significance of his pink robes (representing saturation in the love of Godhead).The conversation explores the philosophy of the Sacred Vedic Arts Temple, the concept of the "Kali Yuga" (the current age of quarrel), and how the "bodily conception of life" creates obstacles to human connection. Haridas and Prof. Akhtar also discuss the "Miami Model" of interfaith dialogue, emphasizing how shared lived experiences—such as birth and death—can bridge the gap between diverse communities.Key Topics Discussed:Spiritual Transformation: Moving from a secular Jewish upbringing to becoming a Hindu monk.Gaudiya Vaishnavism: Understanding the goal of "God Consciousness" and the practice of chanting.The Miami Context: How the Sacred Vedic Arts Temple is using art and devotion to connect with the local community.Interfaith Philosophy: Seeing different religions as "one moon, different phases."

In this episode of the Interfaiths podcast, we are joined by historian Dr. Ibrahim Al-Marashi for a fascinating journey through a family history that defies modern geopolitical borders. We trace his lineage from his grandfather—a cleric fighting the British in the 1920s Iraqi insurgency who fled to become a spiritual leader for the Khoja community in Zanzibar—to his mother’s hidden Syriac Orthodox Christian roots in Lebanon.Dr. Al-Marashi discusses the concept of the "Monsoon Winds" as a historical connector between the Middle East, East Africa, and India, challenging the artificial boundaries of area studies. He also shares the surreal and cautionary story of how his doctoral research on Iraq was plagiarized by the British government to create the infamous "Dodgy Dossier" used to justify the 2003 invasion of Iraq.Key Topics:Transnational Heritage: Tracing roots from Najaf to Zanzibar, and the intersection of Shia Islam and Syriac Christianity within one family.The Khoja Connection: How an Iraqi cleric helped shape the religious tradition of the East African Khoja community.The Politics of History: The British Empire’s role in shaping family migration and the misuse of historical research in modern warfare.Finding Your "Pathos": Advice for students on resisting family pressure, discovering their own history, and finding the passion that drives their identity.Guest Bio: Dr. Ibrahim Al-Marashi is an Associate Professor of History at California State University San Marcos. His research focuses on the modern history of Iraq and the Middle East. He is the co-author of Iraq's Armed Forces: An Analytical History.

Join Professor Iqbal Akhtar and FIU students Sarah Currea and Serhan Özgül for a powerful conversation about interfaith dialogue in the face of global conflict. In this episode of the FIU Interfaith Podcast, Sarah and Serhan share their personal journeys with religion and their experiences in FIU's Jewish-Muslim Dialogue group. They discuss the challenges of discussing sensitive topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on campus, the impact of social media on religious understanding, and the critical importance of human connection, respect, and open-mindedness in bridging divides. Key Topics: Student Perspectives on Interfaith Dialogue: Hear firsthand from FIU students about their experiences in a Jewish-Muslim dialogue group. Navigating Campus Conversations: Explore the challenges of discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other sensitive topics in a university setting. The Impact of Social Media on Religion: Discuss the role of social media in shaping religious understanding and the dangers of online echo chambers. Building Bridges Through Understanding: Learn about the importance of human connection, respect, and open-mindedness in fostering interfaith dialogue. About the Guests: Sarah Currea: A sophomore at FIU studying international relations, Sarah joined the Jewish-Muslim Dialogue group to broaden her understanding of religion and connect with students from diverse backgrounds. Serhan Özgül: An economics major from Germany with Turkish roots, Serhan shares his personal journey with Islam, including his experiences with religious extremism and his commitment to promoting peace and understanding. About the FIU Interfaiths Podcast: The podcast explores the intersections of religion, politics, and culture through engaging conversations with scholars, students, and community leaders. This podcast is part of FIU's online courses in Religious Studies and Politics & International Relations. Keywords: FIU, Interfaith, Dialogue, Jewish-Muslim, Campus, Religion, Politics, Israel-Palestine, Social Media, Understanding, Peace, Students, Interview, Podcast For more information, please visit https://interfaiths.substack.com or https://theeastwestfoundation.org

My name is Nabila Yusuf, and I am a 23-year-old master’s student of History at Bayero University Kano, Northern Nigeria. Education has always been my path to freedom, and I have worked hard to support myself fully, without external financial or family assistance. Despite the obstacles, I have remained committed to building a future in which my research and advocacy can give African women and youth a stronger voice on the global stage.I am now preparing to take the next step in my academic journey by applying to Florida International University (FIU) to study Religious Studies (M.A.) and Ph.D. in International Relations. My goal is to work with leading scholars such as Professor Aktar and Professor Susanne Zwingel to advance research in African gender studies, religion and feminism. This opportunity represents not just a personal achievement but also a way to bring forward the voices and experiences of women in my region who are often left out of academic and policy conversations.Alongside my studies, I have been actively involved in youth empowerment, advocacy, and mentoring young girls in schools. I lead a local youth NGO and have volunteered in so many other programs that promote civic engagement, gender advocacy and peace. These experiences have shaped me into a scholar who is not only passionate about research but also committed to creating real social impact.However, pursuing this dream comes with significant financial barriers, including academic evaluations, application fees, and living expenses. I am reaching out to kind-hearted individuals and well-wishers who believe in the power of education and gender advocacy to support me in this journey. Your contribution, no matter the size, will bring me closer to achieving my goal of becoming a scholar whose work bridges Africa and the world.

Welcome to the premiere episode of the Interfaiths podcast with Dr. Iqbal Akhtar. In this episode, we are honored to host Dr. Mohammad Homayounvash, Director of the Jaffer Institute for Interfaith Dialogue and Education at Miami Dade College.Together, they discuss the critical shift from "hardcore" international security studies to a more holistic approach that includes civilizational and religious identity. Dr. Homayounvash shares his unique perspective on growing up in Iran, his academic journey, and how the "Miami Model" of interfaith relations is fostering intercultural literacy in South Florida.Key Topics Discussed:From Realism to Religion: Why international relations must include identity politics.The Andalusian Ideal: Can we recreate the collaborative ecosystem of Muslims, Jews, and Christians from historical Spain in the 21st century?Cultural DNA vs. Religion: How stripping away cultural "accessories" makes dialogue easier.AI & Bias: The dangers of algorithmic bias and Islamophobia in Large Language Models (LLMs).Building Bridges: Moving beyond theological debate to cultural connection through art, food, and philosophy.About the Guest: Dr. Mohammad Homayounvash is the Director of the Jaffer Institute for Interfaith Dialogue and Education at Miami Dade College and a professor of International Relations at FIU and the University of Miami.For more information, please visit interfaiths.substack.com or theeastwestfoundation.org