OUR VISION

1) Focus on mutual values within

THE Tzedaka-Sadaqah our faiths

PROJECT 2) Gain an understanding of

one another’s faith

3) Build bridges between our

Jews & Muslims – Putting common values into action communities
In the face of tension and distrust, Muslim and Jewish students are uniting
on campus through the Tzedaka-Sadaqah Project. 4) Encourage an inclusive and
This student-led initiative uses faith-based humanitarian work as a respectful atmosphere on
foundation for interfaith dialogue. Facilitators create an environment that fosters campus
sensitivity, highlights commonalities, and honours differences. Participants engage
side-by-side in volunteering and discussion. They are encouraged to question 5) Acknowledge that differences
prejudices and consider ways of building bridges between their communities.
exist in political views
The goal is to plant the seeds of change and goodwill by creating dialogue
that participants can nurture in their own families and communities – creating
new opportunities to build interfaith trust and understanding. 6) Give back to the community
while having fun

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OUR ACTIVITIES
Out of The Cold
Out of the Cold embodies Judaism and Islam's religious
commitment to Tzedaka or Sadaqah, which literally means
charity, but also encompasses all acts of compassion and
generosity. In this program, groups of Muslim and Jewish
students volunteer side-by-side, once a week, serving warm
meals to underprivileged members of the local community.
The program encourages students to connect on a human level,
regardless of their religious background, and fosters a
cooperative environment in which students have been able to
build meaningful friendships.
Meal Preparation
Participants prepare sandwiches on campus, which are then
delivered by volunteers to shelters and other social service
agencies. All food is donated by local businesses.
Breaking Down Stereotypes
This program gives students an opportunity to identify and
discuss persisting stereotypes and misconceptions that exacer-
bate Muslim and Jewish tensions and distrust Participants are
encouraged to recognize their own preconceived ideas and
biases in an environment that accepts and tolerates different
ideas and values.
OUR FUTURE
Campus
In an environment of higher learning it is important to build a foundation
of young leaders who understand the challenges and prospects of
interfaith cooperation as a way of reducing stereotypes and prejudices
Community
We strive to embrace diversity to ensure that our differences remain a
source of strength for our community
Canada
As a thriving multicultural country, we have the opportunity to lead the
world in building interfaith and intercultural relations
“It is incredibly encouraging to see groups of students taking the initiative to build
bridges and to serve the needy of our community while they do so. It provides me
with a sense of hope for the future, that these young people, who are tomorrow’s
leaders, will continue to work towards change and the betterment of the entire
human family.”
Father Michael Béchard, Co-Chair,
The Centre for Jewish-Catholic-Muslim Learning,
King's University College, The University of Western Ontario
“These remarkable people… represent some of the finest hope for our city. They are
neither ashamed of their faith or their willingness to use it to heal the wounds and
prejudices of others.”
Glen Pearson, Member of Parliament for London North Centre
“In the words of the Psalmist: ‘How pleasant it is to see the brothers together...’
engaged in a project like Tzedaka-Sadaqah that underlines the basic values of the
faithful, to care for one's brother - in peace.”
Rabbi Ammos Chorny,
Or Shalom Synagogue, London, Ontario
E-mail: tzedakasadaqah@gmail.com
Website: tzedakasadaqah@wordpress.com