On Sunday, October 18, 2026, Emerald Hills Institute and the United Against Hate Coalition brought community members together for an interfaith panel marking the beginning of United Against Hate Week.
Emceed by Matthew McKnight, the conversation featured Jay Jacobson, sharing a Jewish perspective; Davron Mukhabbatov, representing Islam; Norah Strong, representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Anna Zumwalt, sharing a Zen Buddhist perspective; and Kristina Pogosian, sharing an Armenian Christian perspective.
Drawing on their faith traditions, the panelists explored how their beliefs can inspire compassion, deepen understanding, and uphold the dignity of every person. Their conversation highlighted a shared hope across traditions: to build communities where people can live peacefully and practice their faith without fear.
At the heart of the gathering was a reminder that confronting hate is a shared responsibility. Building a more peaceful community begins with everyday choices—listening with curiosity, challenging prejudice, and treating our neighbors with kindness.
The gathering created space to recognize both our different experiences and the values that connect us. Thank you to our panelists, emcee, organizers, and everyone who joined this conversation. A community with less hate grows through the relationships we build and the actions we take together.
