‘Genocide in Nigeria’ – Israel Sends a ‘Subtle Warning’ Wrapped in a Call for Peace

• At an interfaith gathering in Abuja, Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria urged Nigerians to rediscover unity through dialogue and empathy — a speech many described as both inspiring and cautionary.

The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, delivered what many observers called a “timely message” during an interfaith conference on coexistence among Abrahamic faiths in Abuja on Thursday.

Without naming any group or government directly, Freeman’s remarks touched on the need for peace, understanding, and mutual respect — themes that resonated deeply amid Nigeria’s ongoing security and religious challenges.

“It’s an honour to join today’s important and very timely discussions on coexistence. At a time when so many parts of the world are struggling with division and misunderstanding, this conversation could not be more necessary,” he said.

The envoy defined true coexistence as more than the absence of conflict — it is the presence of respect, empathy, and shared purpose.

“It is about choosing dialogue over hate, building bridges rather than walls, and recognising that diversity can be a source of strength rather than weakness,” Freeman added.

Drawing parallels with Israel, he said Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze communities coexist daily — in hospitals, universities, and even within the Knesset.

Though he admitted coexistence in Israel is “not perfect,” he described it as “real and cherished,” pointing to the nation’s efforts to strengthen peace through dialogue and shared responsibility.

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Freeman referenced the Abraham Accords, which have reshaped relations between Israel and nations like Morocco, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, calling them “proof that peace is possible when we focus on what unites us.”

He then drew attention to Nigeria’s own diversity, saying the country reflects the same aspirations for coexistence and peace.

“Each tragedy — whether attacks on Christian or Muslim communities — is a wound that must be healed through understanding and partnership,” he said.

Freeman stressed that peace begins at the grassroots, not in government halls:

“It starts in our neighbourhoods, schools, places of worship — and in our hearts.”

The ambassador reaffirmed Israel’s readiness to deepen ties with Nigeria in innovation, agriculture, education, and security.

“Where difference is celebrated and unity protected — that is how peace is sustained, that is how nations thrive,” he concluded.

At the event, faith leaders echoed his words. Imam Muhammed Ashafa emphasised teaching young people to “build, not to disagree,” while Rabbi Menachem Chitrik urged religious figures to “lead by example.” Archbishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa of the Christian Association of Nigeria warned that superiority complexes only breed conflict.

“If we see ourselves as one family, we will not fight one another,” he said.