Switzerland boasts a rich historical tapestry interwoven with a diverse array of cultures. The geographical setting of Switzerland, wedged between Germany, Italy, France, Austria, and Liechtenstein, as well as the many cultural influences of its 26 cantons, have had a considerable impact on this cultural tapestry. Delve into the enchanting old town of Bern, meticulously preserved to the extent that it earned a coveted spot on UNESCO’s list of world-historic sites back in 1983. Here, you can embark on a captivating journey to discover the myriad cultures that converge within this remarkable region.

One unmissable destination in Bern is the House of Religions—Dialogue of Cultures, a remarkable institution that bridges the divide between eight of the world’s major religions. This center harmoniously unites a dargah, a church, a mosque, a temple, and a Buddhist center under one roof, creating a welcoming and open space that encourages visitors to engage in meaningful interreligious and cross-cultural dialogues.

Picture courtesy of Christoph Knoch, House of Religions, Dialogue of Cultures, New York Jewish Travel Guide.

Since the late nineties, the residents of Bern have actively promoted intercultural dialogue, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence within their diverse community. With Bern’s substantial multicultural population, establishing a place of worship became a paramount objective for the community. To address this, numerous roundtable discussions, networking events, and celebratory gatherings involving representatives from various cultural backgrounds were organized to explore potential solutions.

It’s important to note that a sizable portion of the association’s members are from the Balkans, China, and Turkey as the association approaches its 20th anniversary and the House of Religions-Dialogue of Cultures prepares to mark its 10th anniversary in 2024. Switzerland’s Muslim population is evenly distributed, with the majority (73% of all Muslims) residing in major urban centers. Among these, the cantons of Zurich, Aargau, St. Gallen, and Bern stand out as having the highest Muslim populations. Furthermore, intriguing statistics reveal that 76% of Muslims have settled in the German-speaking region of Switzerland, with an additional 14% residing in the French-speaking part of the country.

The House of Religions-New York Jewish Travel Guide

The “House of Religions—Dialogue of Cultures” serves as a permanent home for five distinct religions, making it one of the world’s few buildings of its kind. Buddhists, Alevis, Christians, Hindus, and Muslims have all constructed their own sanctuaries within their walls and have mastered the art of peaceful coexistence. In addition to these five religions, three more are included in the dialogue program: Jews, Baha’is, and Sikhs.

The center offers a diverse array of activities, encompassing roundtable discussions, dialogues, exhibitions, seminars, and family-friendly gatherings. The Vanakam Restaurant actively participates in this initiative by hosting a range of cultural events and culinary experiences. It’s worth noting that individuals, regardless of their religious affiliation, eagerly engage in discussions about coexistence that transcend both cultural and religious boundaries.

Located on the ground level of the center’s main building, the Vanakam restaurant is where exchanges between different religions typically take place. The restaurant’s offerings include Ayurvedic Kosher food, which is “100% vegetarian,” skillfully prepared by Tharmalingam. Rabbi Michael Kohn of the Bern Synagogue oversees the kashrut, which entails adherence to Jewish dietary laws.

Kosher Certificate: Vanakam Restaurant: New York Jewish Travel Guide

“Noëmi Knoch, the center’s program director and a member of the Jewish Community of Bern, shares, ‘We organize Shabbat dinners, and we also host community seders for groups of 18 to 40-year-olds.’ Given the remarkable diversity within the community, during Rabbi Kohn’s conducted seder nights, songs in Ladino and Norwegian, in addition to Hebrew, German, and English, were joyfully sung. ‘As the Jewish Center is only a 25-minute walk to the Vanakam restaurant, Shabbat meals have also been organized at the House of Religions,’ Noëmi adds.

In a conversation with NYJTG, Ms. Knoch proudly states, ‘We are proud that the Bern House of Religions stands as a positive example for European interfaith houses. We are the first and only center of this kind in Europe currently in operation.’ While other interfaith houses, such as ‘The House of One’ in Berlin and similar initiatives in various European cities, are under development, the House of Religions in Bern serves as a trailblazing model for interfaith harmony.

With its growing national and international support, the House of Religions has become a beacon of inspiration for many countries seeking guidance in fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation—an undeniably remarkable achievement.”

To plan a trip to Switzerland, contact Switzerland Tourism or go to https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/.

To make a hotel reservation, email nhbernthebristol@nh-hotels.com or go to https://www.nh-hotels.com/.

Fly Swiss: https://www.swiss.com/us/en/homepage.

Visit the Swiss Travel System at https://www.mystsnet.com/en/.

Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide, and New York Jewish Guide.com

The author took part in a press trip sponsored by Switzerland Tourism.