SIR - I came across the poem Ishmael my brother in the prayer book of the Reformed Synagogue when I visited Bradford Synagogue a few years ago.

It was written by Shin Shalom, a notable Hebrew poet who moved to Palestine in 1922 and died in Israel in 1990.

I wonder if it could be read as a prayer in churches, mosques, and at Bradford Synagogue this weekend:

Ishmael, my brother,

How long shall we fight each other?

My brother from times bygone,

My brother - Hagar's son,

My brother, the wandering one.

One angel was sent to us both,

One angel watched over our growth -

There in the wilderness, death threatening through thirst,

I a sacrifice on the altar, Sarah's first.

Ishmael, my brother, hear my plea:

It was the angel who tied thee to me...

Time is running out, put hatred to sleep.

Shoulder to shoulder, let's water our sheep.

Bob Marshall, Chair of trustees, Bradford Interfaith Prayer for Peace