IDI GTA

As Ramadan draws to a close, I attended a local Iftar last evening organized by @holyblossom Temple and @IDIGTA. Ramadan reminds us that each day we should welcome faith into our lives so that we can be more compassionate and tolerant of one another. Now more than ever we must stand together in unity around the values that bind our country and province - friendship, respect and standing together! #RamadanMubarak #EidMubarak @RabbiSCK

On March 8, IDI GTA hosted a Multifaith Iftar Dinner at Manor Road United Church in Toronto, welcoming 110 guests from diverse cultures and faith traditions. As the evening also coincided with International Women’s Day, we shared roses with our women guests as a small gesture of appreciation. 💐 The program featured a peace-themed keynote talk and a mini peace concert, creating a warm atmosphere of dialogue, reflection, and friendship. In times when the world often feels divided, evenings like this remind us that peace can begin in simple moments—sharing a table, listening to one another, and building genuine connections. #Ramadan #Interfaith #Dialogue #Peace #Toronto #Hizmetcares

As we mark the Year of the Horse — a symbol of strength, determination, and progress — we look forward to the opportunities and positive momentum the year ahead will bring. On behalf of Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI) GTA, we extend our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating across Canada. Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year! #HappyChineseNewYear #ChineseNewYear2026 #YearOfTheHorse #GoodFortune #NewBeginnings #hizmetcares

To all who are observing, #ramadanmubarak! 🌙 May this be a season of reflection, compassion, and shared humanity—bringing peace to our hearts, mercy to our communities, and hope to our common future. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and meaningful month. #ramadan #ramadan2026 #hizmetcares

We are profoundly saddened by the tragic attack at the school in #TumblerRidge. Our hearts are with the students, families, educators, and all those whose lives have been so deeply shaken by this senseless act of violence. In a close-knit community, such loss is felt far beyond the school walls. We can only begin to imagine the grief, fear, and uncertainty facing families and neighbours as they seek answers, healing, and strength. We extend our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and we hold in our thoughts all who are recovering or awaiting news of those they care for. We also express our sincere gratitude to first responders, healthcare workers, and all those who acted with courage and compassion in the face of this tragedy. At this difficult moment, we stand in solidarity with the people of #TumblerRidge and with all Canadians, reaffirming our shared commitment to care, empathy, and the safety and dignity of every child and every community.

💖 Galentine’s Girls Night An evening dedicated to friendship, connection, and celebrating the strength of women. This special gathering brings women together in a warm and joyful atmosphere to share stories, laughter, and meaningful moments. At Intercultural Dialogue Institute GTA, we believe that community is built through simple but intentional spaces where people feel seen, supported, and connected. ✨ Dress in red or pink, bring your energy, and join us for a night of togetherness and celebration. 📅 February 15 ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 North York #GalentinesNight #GirlsNight #CommunityConnection #WomenSupportingWomen #IDIGTA #TogetherWeGrow

Earlier this month, faith leaders from different traditions came together for a thoughtful conversation on preventing and responding to domestic violence. The program created a meaningful space for sharing experiences, listening across differences, and exploring how faith communities can turn dialogue into action. Intercultural Dialogue Institute GTA was grateful to be part of this important gathering during World Interfaith Harmony Week, contributing to a collective effort rooted in dialogue, responsibility, and care. Our sincere thanks to NCJWC Toronto, TAIC, Congregation Darchei Noam, and all speakers and partners who made this program possible. #WorldInterfaithHarmonyWeek #InterfaithDialogue #CommunityCare #EndingDomesticViolence #IDIGTA

Hospitality is more than hosting. It is making space for the other. At our recent IDI GTA Scriptural Reasoning gathering on January 21, we reflected on hospitality through sacred texts and shared insights across faith traditions. Not as a social gesture, but as an ethical responsibility. Not about comfort, but about presence, listening, and dignity. Because dialogue does not begin with answers — it begins with hospitality. #hizmetcares #dialogue #peace

From all of us at IDI GTA, we wish you a #MerryChristmas and a season filled with peace, warmth, meaningful dialogue, and moments that bring us closer as a community. #Toronto #community #Christmas2025

We strongly condemn the horrific mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach targeting members of the Jewish community gathered for Hanukkah. We mourn the innocent lives lost, pray for the injured, and stand for religious freedom, unity, and safety for all. Read statement here: afsv.org/9542-2/

IDI GTA had the opportunity to attend the Mayor’s Interfaith Breakfast Reception — a gathering that brought together a wide range of civic and community leaders from across Toronto. The gathering provided a constructive space for exchanging perspectives on the shared issues and opportunities shaping our city today. Mayor @oliviachow underscored the importance of strengthening social cohesion, advancing inclusion, and fostering collaborative approaches to the complex challenges faced by Toronto’s diverse communities. Her reflections served as an important reminder of the role that cross-community engagement plays in building a healthier and more connected urban environment. At IDI GTA, we view dialogue as a civic responsibility — a practical way to build trust, expand networks of cooperation, and contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking Toronto. Yesterday’s program highlighted how meaningful progress becomes possible when communities engage one another with openness, respect, and a shared sense of purpose. We appreciate the invitation and the thoughtful conversations that emerged throughout the event, and we look forward to continuing these collaborative efforts. #Toronto #Community #Dialogue #Peace #civicengagement #CommunityEngagement #hizmetcares

On November 5, representatives of the Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI) GTA were honoured to attend the 46th Annual Cardinal’s Dinner, at the invitation of the @archtoronto — a gathering that brought together leaders, faith communities, and organizations committed to serving the common good across the Greater Toronto Area. In his keynote address, His Eminence Cardinal Frank Leo offered a profound reflection on the difference between seeing people as “problems to solve” and seeing them as “mysteries to encounter.” He invited us to look at one another with “the eyes of the heart,” allowing compassion and spiritual insight to deepen our understanding of those around us. His message was both timely and deeply resonant: we build stronger, more compassionate communities not through techniques or quick fixes, but through presence, understanding, and the courage to walk alongside one another. This vision speaks directly to IDI’s mission. For over two decades, we have worked to foster spaces where individuals meet not as categories or cases, but as neighbours — each carrying dignity, each worthy of attentive listening, each inviting us into a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. We were grateful for the opportunity to connect with many partners and friends who continue to strengthen dialogue, service, and social harmony across our diverse city. 🌿 May we all learn to see one another with “the eyes of the heart”— cultivating the compassion and openness our times so urgently need. #BuildingBridges #interfaithdialogue #CommunityEngagement #SocialHarmomy #hizmetcares #peace #dialogue

On November 10, the Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI) GTA hosted the third session of its Scriptural Reasoning series at the University of Toronto @TorSchTheology, exploring the theme “Theodicy and the Existence of Evil.” Participants from diverse faith traditions came together to reflect on how sacred texts address the reality of suffering and the search for meaning, mercy, and justice in the face of hardship. Facilitated by Professor Jean-Pierre Fortin and Dr. Vinay Khetia, the session fostered a rich and thoughtful exchange — demonstrating how dialogue can illuminate shared understandings of compassion, resilience, and hope across faiths. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined this meaningful discussion and helped strengthen our shared commitment to dialogue and understanding. 🌿 #IDIGTA #InterfaithDialogue #ScripturalReasoning #FaithInAction #UniversityOfToronto #Theodicy #DialogueAcrossDifferences #BuildingUnderstanding #PeaceThroughDialogue #HizmetCares

At the invitation of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, representatives from IDI GTA had the honour of attending the 60th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate in Vatican City on October 28–29, 2025. Gathering with faith leaders and scholars from around the world was both a privilege and a reminder that dialogue remains one of humanity’s most vital and hopeful pursuits. As His Holiness Pope Leo XIV expressed, “Dialogue is not a tactic or a tool, but a way of life — a journey of the heart that transforms everyone involved.” Those words reflect IDI’s mission: that authentic dialogue goes beyond conversation — it is a way of building understanding, healing divisions, and cultivating peace. We return inspired to continue fostering dialogue that unites hearts and strengthens our shared humanity. 🌿

We’re grateful to everyone who spent the day with IDI GTA reflecting on Fethullah Gülen’s thought—from character-forming education, to trust-building dialogue, to service (hizmet) that meets real needs. Marking the anniversary of his passing, we did more than remember; we wrestled with application: How do we listen when it’s hard? How do we turn goodwill into durable cooperation? How do we cultivate a sense of belonging that is intentionally created, not passively awaited? Through panel discussions, keynote addresses, critical responses, and audience Q&A, the conference translated these ideas into actionable frameworks for education, dialogue, and service. Our gratitude to the partners @EmmanuelColleg2 , supporters, and volunteers who helped bring this gathering to life. We’ll be sharing highlights from each session over the next few days—key ideas, standout quotes, and a few photos from the room. Stay tuned and follow along. #GulenConference2025 #FethullahGulen #HizmetCares #Peacemaker #Dialogue #Education #BridgingWorlds #IDIGTA

Today marks one year since the passing of Fethullah Gülen, a globally respected Muslim scholar, educator, and advocate for peace and interfaith dialogue. His teachings continue to inspire millions around the world. Read more here: idiottawa.ca/remembering-fe…

Full table, open hearts—last Monday we set one long table and watched strangers become neighbours. IDI GTA’s interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner brought young adults and those far from family together for conversation, laughter, and a shared meal. Moments like these remind us: belonging is something we build—plate by plate, story by story. We also made it interactive with a Kahoot quiz and the More Than One Story card game—small prompts, big conversations, real connection. 🦫 You’ll see the beaver question in the photos: Why could the beaver represent interfaith dialogue? What’s your pick? Reply and tell us why. Grateful to our partners (@MaryWard_Centre @DialogueOffice ) and volunteers who made the evening possible. See you at the next gathering! #IDIGTA #Interfaith #InterfaithDialogue #CommunityConnection #Thanksgiving #tahnksgivingdinner #Toronto #BuildingBridges #YoungAdults #Gratitude #hizmetcares #idigta

“Bridging Worlds: Fethullah Gülen’s Vision for Education, Peace & Dialogue” — a full-day conference at the University of Toronto on Oct 14, 2025. Speakers: Kim Shively, Zeki Saritoprak, Ori Z. Soltes, Y. Alp Aslandogan, Lyndsey Eksili, Emre Celik, Anwar Alam, and Albert Frolov