Shabbat, diplomacy and America at 250

PUBLISHED: July 4, 2026 | www.baltimoresun.com

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, I had the privilege of attending an extraordinary Shabbat dinner at the Institute for Peace in Washington, D.C. — an evening that brought together faith, diplomacy, business leadership and a shared commitment to peace.

Sponsored by Inbar Schwartz, owner of the Israeli company Delta Galil, the gathering included the ambassadors of Qatar, Oman and Ecuador to the United States; philanthropist Dr. Miriam Adelson; Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, the United States Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism; Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary of State; and other distinguished diplomatic, civic and religious leaders.

The importance of the evening extended far beyond protocol. At a time when much of the world is marked by conflict, polarization and mistrust, there is enduring value in leaders of different faiths, nations and cultures sitting together around a single table. The Shabbat tradition reminds us that peace is not achieved solely through treaties or negotiations. It is cultivated through relationships, respectful dialogue and the recognition of our shared humanity.

As our nation commemorates a quarter millennium of liberty, constitutional government and religious freedom, gatherings such as this reflect one of America’s greatest strengths: our unique ability to convene people from diverse backgrounds in pursuit of understanding and common purpose. Around that table, diplomacy was not simply discussed; it was practiced.

On the eve of our nation’s 250th anniversary, it was a fitting reminder that while peace requires courage, it also begins with something remarkably simple: the willingness to listen, to share a meal and to see one another first as fellow human beings.

Armstrong Williams (www.armstrongwilliams.com; @arightside) is a political analyst, syndicated columnist and owner of the broadcasting company, Howard Stirk Holdings. He is also part owner of The Baltimore Sun.

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