Rabbi Asher Lopatin, a Rhodes Scholar and Director of Community Relations at the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, Michigan, delivers a powerful and thought-provoking message on faith, diplomacy, and historic opportunity in the Middle East.
In his remarks, Rabbi Lopatin shares a timeless Jewish parable about recognizing divine opportunity and the responsibility to act when those moments arise. He urges leaders not to wait passively for change but to step forward with courage and vision. Reflecting on developments in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, he presents what he describes as a rare and historic opportunity for renewed relations among Syria, Israel, and the United States.
He highlights the role of Dr. Yahya Basha, a Syrian Muslim physician and longtime advocate for Muslim-Jewish dialogue, whose outreach and bridge-building efforts helped foster meaningful engagement during this pivotal period. Rabbi Lopatin recounts his visits to Damascus, where he led Jewish delegations, openly expressed his Zionist identity, and met with Syrian officials, university leaders, and members of civil society. He describes encountering unexpected warmth and openness, viewing these interactions as signs of shifting regional dynamics.
Expanding on the concept of spiritual diplomacy, Rabbi Lopatin emphasizes the courage required to build unlikely alliances, break down outdated divisions, and root diplomacy not only in policy and power, but in faith, moral clarity, and shared human dignity. Drawing inspiration from historic interfaith cooperation during the American civil rights movement, he calls for bold leadership committed to peace and the enduring triumph of light over darkness.
This address was delivered at the "United in Liberty: The Rise of Spiritual Diplomats International Interfaith Conference," held on January 22, 2026, in the U.S. Capitol Caucus Room in Washington, D.C., and hosted by Pastor Mark Burns on the ALLATRA platform.
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