Maryland: Muslim, Jewish Leaders Meet, Plan to Create Dialogue
From The Frederick (MD) News-Post:
The president of Frederick County's largest Jewish congregation met with the spiritual leader of the local Muslim community, and plans are in the works for a festive joint gathering in December."My goal for this meeting was to establish relationships between Frederick's Islamic and Jewish communities," said Andy Carpel, president of the Beth Sholom Congregation, in a press release issued Nov. 22...Yahya Hendi, imam of the Islamic Society of Frederick, reaffirmed his commitment to "dialogue with all people, Jews and Christians," according to the press release.
"I would want more Muslims to understand the Jewish story. I also urge more Jews to understand the Muslim and the Palestinian story of pain and suffering," the press release quoted him.
Imam Hendi's August call for dialogue among Muslims, Jews and Christians has led to meetings, dinners, and joint celebrations, and the dialogue has continued to gain momentum.
The "festive joint gathering" planned for this December will "celebrate both the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah, and the Muslim hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca."
One call to dialogue and so many results. One love to Imam Hendi and may it be G-d's Will that the shared atmosphere of respect experienced at so many meetings and dinners translate into the abatement of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in our respective communities.
Ken y'hi ratzon. Insha'All-h.
