The Elijah Interfaith Institute is an international interfaith organization founded by Alon GOSHEN-GOTTSTEIN in 1996. The institute’s headquarters are in Jerusalem, but it also has offices and representatives in several countries and is active in numerous international forums.
According to its own members, the institute operates in the spirit of Elijah. The spirit of Elijah represents wisdom, inspiration, friendship, and hope across religious traditions. Elijah deepens understanding between religions. The institute’s mission is to promote unity in diversity, creating a harmonious world.
Elijah’s message is that the world’s major religions radiate wisdom capable of healing the world. Engaging in deep spiritual conversations across interfaith lines enriches our inner lives, strengthens our prayer, and opens our hearts. By discovering unity and embracing diversity, we recognize that while we are many, we are also one.
Their unique program fosters interfaith dialogue at the highest levels, bringing together global religious leaders and renowned scholars from around the world through research projects, public lectures, and social initiatives. On January 27, 2026, the Elijah Interfaith Institute took an important step toward realizing its vision of an interfaith spiritual center in Assisi. After years of research, negotiations, and fundraising, the institute purchased the Hotel Porziuncola, located next to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels (Portiuncula). The hotel will be transformed into an interdenominational facility, focused on three main themes: friendship, saints, and prayer, seen from an interfaith perspective. More information is available at https://friendshipandhope.org/. On July 5-6, 2026, a seminar entitled “Saints: Historical Reality and Spiritual Legacy” will be held as part of the Institute’s “Summer School.” Information is available here: https://summerschool.elijah-interfaith.org/. I invite you all to participate in this seminar.
Friar Sławomir KLEIN
General Delegate for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue (EDI)
