Our Story
Peace Islands Institute New York is a nonprofit devoted to promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue. We welcome everyone with practical programs that connect people in real life.
Our goal is to build reliable relationships in order to collaborate on substantial service projects that contribute to the benefit of society, and help promote universal principles for greater understanding and peace between and within all communities.
"We passionately believe in the power of dialogue and service to change attitudes."
Peace Islands Institute New York is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. Founded by individuals inspired by the ideals of community service and interfaith understanding.
10,000+
Community Members
500+
Dialogues Hosted
15+
Cultural Trips
20+
Years of Service
"There is a candle in your heart, ready to be kindled. There is a void in your soul, ready to be filled. You feel it, don't you?"
— Rumi
Initiatives
Outreach is not just something we do — it's who we are. Discover how you can get involved.
Interfaith Home Dining
We bring people of different faiths together by hosting sacred meals in each other's homes — Ramadan Iftars, Shabbat dinners, Christmas celebrations, and more. One table, many traditions, one shared humanity.
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Youth Leadership
Dedicated to helping young people develop their leadership skills and build meaningful connections across cultural and religious lines. Join us to become part of the next generation of peacemakers.
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Interfaith Travel
Safe, quality, and responsible international cultural exchange trips that grow cross-cultural awareness and understanding. Our programs foster global citizenship through unforgettable shared experiences.
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Sport & Unity
A partner initiative using basketball to unite middle and high school youth from diverse backgrounds — countering antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate through sport, education, and human connection. Featuring NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom.
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Speaker Series
A multi-track interfaith speaker series exploring belief, scripture, science, and shared wisdom. Tracks include the Prophets Series, Science & Faith, Mary — A Figure of Unity, and Textual Studies drawing on Fethullah Gülen and Pope Francis.
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Visual & Performing Arts
A creative initiative bringing together artists of different faiths to explore spirituality, identity, and dialogue through visual art, music, dance, and performance. Art becomes the language of interfaith understanding.
Learn More12
Oct
Expressions of interest are open for our interfaith cultural journey through Spain.
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TBD
Join us for an evening of breaking bread together across faith traditions during Ramadan.
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TBD
An intimate dinner connecting neighbors of different cultural backgrounds in each other's homes.
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TBD
A 6-week leadership program for middle and high school students interested in peacebuilding.
Impact
Stories, coverage, and reflections about our work from media outlets and our New York community.
Instagram · Peace Islands New York
April 2026
Peace Islands Institute New York and East End Temple came together around Mimouna — a special Moroccan-Jewish tradition marking the end of Passover — celebrating shared heritage and friendship.
Read MoreTicketleap · Temple Emanu-El
March 13, 2026
Peace Islands Institute New York hosted its 9th Annual Interfaith Iftar Dinner at Temple Emanu-El, bringing together New Yorkers across faiths for an evening of connection and shared food.
Read MoreSt. Ignatius of Loyola NYC
February 2026
Peace Islands Institute New York hosted its annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Manhattan, continuing a cherished multi-year tradition of interfaith hospitality.
Read Mores2s Campaign · Medium
October 2025
Peace Islands Institute New York and Park Avenue Synagogue were highlighted for their joint Abrahamic dialogue marking the 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's Nostra Aetate.
Read MoreThe Sheen Center · NYC
November 5, 2025
Peace Islands Institute New York co-presented an historic interfaith panel at The Sheen Center featuring Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, and Sufi musicians — marking 60 years since Nostra Aetate.
Read MoreThe Church of Saint Mary the Virgin
May 2025
Emre Celik, Executive Director of Peace Islands Institute New York, was featured alongside clergy at The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in Midtown as a recognized voice in interreligious dialogue.
Read MoreEmanuel NYC
Spring 2025
Peace Islands Institute New York and Temple Emanuel co-organized an interfaith cultural journey to Spain, bringing together Jewish and Muslim community members in shared exploration.
Read MoreTemple Emanu-El NYC
May 2024
Emre Celik was welcomed to the bimah at Temple Emanu-El to share reflections on interfaith partnership — part of an ongoing collaboration between Peace Islands Institute New York and the congregation.
Read MoreInstagram · Peace Islands New York
2025
Peace Islands Institute New York organized a Turkish Ebru marbling art workshop at Temple Emanuel in Manhattan, bringing together community members for a cross-cultural creative experience.
Read MoreInterfaith Center of New York
2019 – Present
The Interfaith Center of New York recognized Emre Celik as a Senior Leadership Fellow, honoring his decade of interfaith leadership across Washington DC and New York City.
Read MoreWatch & Listen
Explore talks, reflections, and highlights from Peace Islands Institute New York's programs and events.
Executive Director Emre Celik shares a poem by Rumi at Temple Emanu-El in honor of Shabbat Shirah.
Watch on YouTube
A conversation on building lasting interfaith partnerships and community bridges.
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A deep-dive discussion on methods, practices, and strategies for faith-based peacebuilding.
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An interfaith musical celebration of fellowship across Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions.
Watch on YouTube
A gathering of faith leaders sharing reflections and prayers across traditions.
Watch on YouTubeCommunity
We are proud to work alongside faith communities, academic institutions, and civic organizations united by a shared commitment to dialogue and peace.
New York's historic Reform Jewish congregation on the Upper East Side. Annual co-host of the Interfaith Iftar Dinner.
Co-host of Peace Islands NY's annual Ramadan Iftar dinner series on the Upper East Side.
Historic Episcopal parish in Lower Manhattan. Partner in the ongoing Scriptural Reasoning series.
NYC Reform Jewish congregation and partner in the Scriptural Reasoning interfaith dialogue series.
NYC mosque and host of the sixth Scriptural Reasoning session, including a community mosque tour.
Iconic interdenominational church partnering on interfaith walking tours, environmental programs, and cultural exchanges.
Interested in partnering with us? Get in touch →
Social Media
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Journey
Stay connected with our latest events and community moments across social media.
Another inspiring event — 'Texts that unite, Texts that divide.' A huge thanks to St. Francis De Sales, Fr. Tony, and Imam Gazi for an evening of shared sacred texts and genuine dialogue. 📖✨
View on InstagramWe came together for session 6 of our Scriptural Reasoning program, this time at a mosque — Masjid Ar-Rahman — which included a tour of the sanctuary and shared study of 'humility.' A huge thanks to all. #nyc #interfaith
View on X / TwitterPeace Islands NY and East End Temple came together around #Mimouna — a special Moroccan-Jewish tradition marking the close of Passover. Sharing food, stories, and friendship across traditions. 🍯🌸
View on InstagramWe were very pleased to co-host and co-organize 'THE EARTH IN TRUST: Law, Faith Traditions, and the Work of Environmental Accountability' at Fordham University. A huge thanks to all who played a part. Video coming soon! #environment @FordhamNYC
View on X / TwitterThe Riverside Church and Peace Islands NY came together for a walking tour of the NY Botanic Gardens. It was a lovely spring day, blooming flowers, and even lovelier conversation across traditions. 🌺
View on FacebookExpressions of Interest are now open for our cross-cultural and interfaith journey through Spain from October 12–19, 2026. An immersive study trip exploring shared Abrahamic heritage across Andalusia. 🇪🇸✈️
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