Dear friends in the Hizmet movement,

I join you in mourning the passing of Hocaefendi, known to the world as Fethullah Gülen. It is with a deep sense of respect and reverence that I share my impressions of his profound impact on those who met him and studied his works. Through this reflection, I hope to offer words of consolation and to inspire hope as we look to the future.

As a Rabbi devoted to healing relations between Jews and Muslims, I have found in Gülen a foremost leader in this historical process. Gülen’s approach is deeply rooted in the Quran and Hadith and expands beyond tolerance to embrace the "Other" as a blessing from God—each person valued and seen through the divine perspective. These principles of humility and respect resonate deeply in my own tradition and personal mission.

Last year, I had the honor of visiting Gülen at his home. Though unwell, he graciously accepted the visit. I brought with me a copy of the Torah translated into Arabic, symbolizing a bridge between the Torah and the language of the Qur’an. He lifted the Torah with joy, signifying he was accepting the gift both with appreciation and humility. It was a gesture reminiscent of the Hadith (Sunan Abu Dawud 40), in which Muhammad (PBUH) rose to honor a Torah scroll brought to him, an expression of profound respect.

Later that day, one of his students presented me with a beautiful calligraphic rendering of a verse from the Book of Psalms, inspired by Gülen’s teachings. The Quran, after all, acknowledges Psalms’ unique place among the sacred books: “To David We gave the Book of Psalms” (Surah Al-Isra 17:55). The selected verse, Psalms 145:10, reads: “All Your works shall praise You, O LORD, and Your pious shall bless You.” This, too, reinforced the shared heritage of reverence and respect for sacred texts and a universal vision for the world.

When I met with Gülen, I had many questions regarding the status of Jewish people, Judaism, and the Torah within Islam. These inquiries lie at the heart of my work as Director of the Ohr Torah Stone’s Blickle Institute for Interfaith Dialogue. In our shared story, I believe it is God’s will that Jews and Muslims, in mutual respect and fraternity, fulfill the vision of Zephaniah 3:9: that humanity, united, will call upon the name of God and serve together. I was advised to submit my questions in writing, and I received a comprehensive, respectful response on October 4, 2023. This document, I believe, will stand as a historic testimony to our shared values and aspirations.

Religion is often cited as a cause of conflict, but it must also be part of the solution. Our religious identities, rather than dividing us, should be a source of connection. This connection flourishes when we understand and feel that the God we worship is the same God loved and served by others.

In closing, I offer words of hope for the millions of Hizmet followers. The letter “H” at the beginning of Hizmet holds special significance for me, as I have experienced firsthand the virtues of Hospitality, Humility, Hope, Healing, Heart, and Humanity within this movement. I would add an additional “H” as a precedent for a path forward: Habad.

Habad, an Orthodox Jewish movement rooted in service and spiritual engagement, resonates with Hizmet’s ideals. Its last leader, the Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, is remembered for his profound spirituality and vision. Though he passed away in 1994, his movement continued to grow, sustained by his ideas, his messages, and his vision. In a similar way, Hizmet, inspired by the teachings of Gülen, has the potential to grow and continue impacting humanity, spreading his message of service and unity.

May Gülen’s memory be a blessing and may Hizmet continue to bring blessing to the world.