Interreligious Programme
On Tuesday, April 3, NRCC-19 visited the Synagogue, the Jewish Museum of Rome, and the Great Mosque of Rome.
These visits concluded the interreligious programme, which started two weeks ago with a visit to the summer residence of the Pope at Castelgandolfo. Course Members also attended lectures on the three great monotheistic religions, as well as on issues related to the politicization of religion. Dr Hillel Newman (ISR), a Counsellor for World Jewry and for the Inter-Faith Division of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and former Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Republics of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, presented the main principles of Judaism, and highlighted some features of daily routine for Jewish believers. He also outlined the history of Judaism as the traditional faith of the Jewish people, and explained the secular-religious status quo in Israel today. The second presentation was delivered by Father Etienne Roze (FRA), who was ordained in 1985 and since then has dedicated his pastoral work mainly to young people. Father Roze discussed the main precepts of Christianity, with a philosophical and theological emphasis. He explained that religion can provide a framework for compassionate, loving, and selfless people, emphasizing the role that this can play in unifying different groups of people and creating a more peaceful world for everyone. The third and last lecture was given by Imam Yehia Pallavicini (ITA), from the Italian Islamic Religious Community, who explored the main tenets of Islam, stressing how it encourages believers to practice their faith in harmony with society, and clarifying its role in creating a peaceful and orderly world. He stressed the importance of Islam’s respect for all people, as well as its capacity of adaptation within different countries and societies.
On the following day, Course Members attended lectures by Dr Altinordu (TUR) and Dr Herbert (GBR) on the politicization of religion. Dr Phillips’ concluding lecture focused on secularization.
The lecturers, each with his specific approach, enabled Course Members to gain a better understanding of the historical background, global security environment, and current trends that cause both religious politicization and the rise of secularism. They explained the key actors, challenges, and perceptions of religious politicization and secularization, in a global content.
Visit to Naples
On 11th April, NRCC 19 Course Members travelled to Naples to spend two days at JFC Naples learning about the challenges related to the NATO Strategic Direction South (N-SDS) Hub, and to attend lectures at L’Orientale University. On the first day, NRCC-19 was welcomed by the Director of the NSD-S Hub, Gen. Angius (ITA), who underlined the role of partners in the Alliance’s strategy towards the South. As underlined by Gen. Angius, partners are crucial in helping NATO improve its situational awareness and its understanding of the opportunities and challenges coming from the South.
Following a brief about the Military Partnership Branch, JFC Naples Political Advisor Dr McNulty (GBR) organized a panel discussion with NRCC Course Members to discuss and share perspectives on the main challenges faced by NATO and its partners in the Southern region.
During the second day, at L’Orientale University, Course Members attended a comprehensive lecture given by Professor Giuseppe Cataldi on migration in the Mediterranean, focusing on humanitarian aspects as well as on issues related to international law. This was followed by a wide-ranging Q&A. Course Members then listened to a detailed account of security sector reform in Tunisia, by Ruth Hanau Santini. They ended their visit to Naples by touring the US Naval Base in Gricignano.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Mr Zachary Kranc, MEF, USA C)
NATO Defense College