International Day of Human Fraternity in the United States

History: The International Day of Human Fraternity was established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 21, 2020, with the resolution A/RES/75/200. The day, celebrated on February 4th each year, was inspired by the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb, on February 4, 2019. This document calls for dialogue between religions to promote peace.

Traditions: As it is a relatively new observance without deeply rooted traditions, activities may vary greatly. Often they include:

• Interfaith dialogues and conferences to promote understanding across different religions and cultures.
• Educational programs aimed at fostering tolerance and respect for diversity.
• Community service events promoting solidarity with marginalized groups.

What People Do: In the United States, individuals and organizations may observe this day by:

• Participating in interfaith prayer services or discussions.
• Engaging in community outreach initiatives designed to bridge gaps between different faiths and communities.
• Hosting webinars or public talks to educate about the importance of fraternity in society.

Given its recent establishment, practices surrounding this day are still evolving as it gains recognition across communities around the world.