The terrorist group Hamas is once again proving its hateful colors.

Claiming Israel has an agenda to promote tourism by encouraging Muslims worldwide to visit Jerusalem, Hamas’ website stated that, “We warn against the danger of this Zionist plot, which aims to propagate the Zionist narrative and enshrine the Jewish Talmudic story,” reports the Times of Israel. “[The initiative] aims to market the so-called right to Al-Aqsa [Mosque] and its plaza and blur the historic depth of Arab and Islamic civilization.”

Regardless of the ongoing political arm-wrestling over the future of Jerusalem, no good can come of efforts to discourage those of faith from traveling to places of significance in their rich and varied histories. Quite the contrary—by promoting a boycott, Hamas is working to create separation, discord and continued strife.

But of course, that has been the modus operandi of Hamas forever. There is no long game other than the destruction of Israel. There is no plan for effective and lasting peace. There is no intentionality in favor of constructive engagement.

Jerusalem is a sacred place to Muslims along with Mecca and Medina. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is of major significance, as according to Islamic text, Mohammed was taken by the angel Gabriel from Mecca to Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa. There he ascended to heaven and met with Abraham, Moses and Jesus in a brief but powerful component of Islamic faith.

This is hardly the first time that Islamic extremist voices have tried to put a stop to Muslims traveling to Jerusalem. A year ago, competing factions sparred verbally over the issue. Sheikh Yussef Qaradawi from Qatar, a highstanding legal authority, imposed a religious edict against such trips. On the other hand, Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas took the counterpoint, encouraging visits to reinforce the role Jerusalem plays for Muslims and Arabs.

As Jews, it is not necessary that we agree with or impose our own cultural history upon others when it comes to Jerusalem’s importance to world religions. It is sufficient that, for the tens of millions that make the pilgrimage peacefully and respectfully, Jerusalem be a place of openness and availability for our Islamic and Christian brethren and sistren.

We see the power of interfaith connectivity reflected in our own local religious landscape. Our colleagues at the Jewish Community Relations Council have been instrumental in so many interfaith initiatives, in recent years including the Muslim-Jewish day of service on Christmas, and the multi-faith 9/11 musical commemoration at the Sheldon. These are bridges that enable others’ religions to be visible to us, so we may break down walls rather than erect them.

The willingness to see, understand and respect those with whom we may have religious or cultural differences is one of the highest forms of bravery. It forces us to look into the mirror, acknowledge we are not an island unto ourselves, and embrace a world of peaceful coexistence with others. This is not the way of Hamas, of Qaradawi or of radical voices who would erect barriers in the name of hatred and hostility.

Israel does not deny the importance of sacred sites and other important Muslim visitation spots, and they have been open and available other than at times of rioting and strife. Al Aqsa, Dome of the Rock and Dome of the Chain are all key sites. Madrasas surround the Temple Mount, and the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site. There’s a major Islamic Museum and the Mayer Museum of Islamic Art. The Tomb of David is considered important to all three major Western religions.

Thousands come every year from across the globe to visit these significant historic and religious sites. These opportunities for Muslims to approach and revere locales so essential to their faith should not be limited by any man or decree, with perhaps times of physical strife and violence being the sole exception to that rule.

Hamas is continually and predictably divisive in its approach to everything Israeli, and to virtually everything and everyone Jewish. Its hatred outweighs any desire it might have for peaceful coexistence. Showing respect for Muslims who cherish their holy sites would be a good place to start in promoting a more welcoming and collaborative world.

Perhaps if the terrorist organization begins to respect its own, the prospect of respecting its Middle East neighbors of different religious and cultural backgrounds can commence in earnest as well.