The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has voiced deep concern over the persistent violent attacks across Nigeria, stating that the assaults on both Christian and Muslim communities have created deep wounds that must be healed for the nation to achieve lasting peace.
Ambassador Freeman made this assertion on Thursday in Abuja during an interfaith dialogue programme titled “Co-existence and Dialogue among Abrahamic Faiths.” He emphasized that sustainable peace must be cultivated from the ground up, beyond government and diplomatic efforts.
“Nigeria has faced painful challenges, including attacks on both Christian and Muslim communities. Each tragedy creates wounds that must be healed,” the envoy stated. “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 defined genuine co-existence as the active presence of respect, empathy, and shared purpose, not merely the absence of conflict. Freeman pointed to Israel as a practical example, describing it as a nation where Jews, Muslims, and Christians live, work, and study side-by-side daily.
While acknowledging that Israel’s model is not perfect, he expressed hope for an expanded “Abraham Accords” to bring more nations into a circle of peace. He also underscored the need to strengthen Nigeria-Israel relations in innovation, agriculture, and security, rooted in shared values.
The event featured Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders who collectively advocated for grassroots leadership and youth engagement to foster peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
