So…this rabbi, imam and a priest walk into a bar.

The bartender looks up from wiping the counter and says, “What is this…some sort of a joke?”

The unfunny part of that joke is why should it be a joke?

That was the opener, and basic premise discussed at last Thursday’s SFU Harbour Centre talk. The point is that Judaism, Islam and Christianity constitute the three “Abrahamic” relgions – that is, religions descended from the prophet Abraham.

Like the best dysfunctional family, you’d never guess they come from the same Daddy.

The talk was a lead-in to an ongoing photography exhibit that I highly recommend.

Norman Gershman has documented the various Albanian Muslims, as well as some of their descendants, who acted to save Jews during the German occupation of 1943-44.

There are short stories accompanying each black and white portrait, explaining that they acted to save their neighbours because of Besa – one’s word of honour. This code instructs the devout that guests must come first, and must be protected and given refuge.  There were virtually no Jews killed in Albania because of Besa.

It is a critical message for the world and is rather hopeful. Imagine if we actually operated from a profoundly moral and compassionate level? 

The other refreshing reminder from this exhibit is that though this is a story about the Holocaust; it is about goodness and compassion  in the face of horror.

The exhibit is free and runs from June 24th – October 29th, 2010. Here’s some more information about where and when. Check it out and maybe we can spread the love. We could all use a little Besa.