Buddhism and Judaism: Two Ancient Beliefs

The Embassy of Israel in Yangon, Myanmar held a unique exhibition titled “Buddhism and Judaism: Two Ancient Beliefs”, celebrating the spiritual depth and shared values of these two ancient traditions.

The keynote speaker was Oxford Sayadaw, a respected Burmese Shan monk and scholar affiliated with the University of Oxford. The exhibition, written and curated by Ambassador Ruth Zakh, with deep appreciation for Burmese Buddhism and  highlighted parallels between the teachings of Buddhism and Judaism—particularly the values of Metta (loving-kindness) and Chesed (charitable love), which remain deeply relevant in today's world.

As requested by the Ambassador, a demonstrative video on Vipassana meditation was also presented during the event. The video featured a detailed explanation by the Most Venerable Mahasi Shwe Min Wun Sayadaw, offering an authentic insight into the practice of sitting, standing, walking and lying-down meditation of Theravāda Buddhism.

The event also marked the 70th anniversary of a historic moment in diplomatic history—when Burma’s Prime Minister U Nu became the first Head of State to visit the newly established State of Israel in 1955, forming a lifelong friendship with Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, a known admirer of Buddhism. 

In a remarkable moment of interfaith unity, representatives from four religious communities—Buddhist, Jewish, Catholic, and Hindu—stood together in prayer, calling for the safe release of hostages held for over 600 days.

This exhibition served not only as a bridge between cultures and beliefs, but also as a heartfelt call for peace, compassion, and human solidarity.