Jews, Muslims on LI bond over their shared 'deep roots'

Sitting in a circle in the sanctuary of the Kehillath Shalom Synagogue in Cold Spring Harbor, the group joined in a song, prayers and laughter, sharing religious parables and stories with messages of hope, peace and forgiveness.

It's not an unfamiliar sight at a synagogue. But these were Jews and Muslims sitting side by side.

The discussion Saturday night was designed to promote solidarity and tolerance between the two religions as part of an international program that kicked off Oct. 31 for two weekends. The annual event is organized by The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding in cooperation with the World Jewish Congress and the Islamic Society of North America. Muslims and Jews from 15 countries held discussions both online and in houses of worship.

"We have a lot in common," said Rabbi Arthur L. Schwartz, who co-hosted the evening with Nayyar Imam, president of the Long Island Muslim Alliance. "We are very close cousins and share deep roots. We have a responsibility to help build a better world and foster understanding."

The Middle East and politics were off limits Saturday evening so the two dozen or so attendees could focus on what they said unites them: a shared belief in the value of life and peace, as well as an understanding of the pain of discrimination and ultimately survival in a "foreign" land, meaning the United States.

"We have the same moral, social and religious obligations to the community," said Imam. "We can help each other."

Imam said this is a time when anti-Muslim sentiment appears to be on the rise, citing the controversy over the proposed community center near Ground Zero, recent vandalism at a Huntington mosque and resistance by neighbors to the expansion of a mosque in Selden. The event was a chance for Muslims to learn from Jews about overcoming discrimination, he said.

"We are the new kid on the block," Imam said. "The new kid needs help from the old one."

Kehillath Shalom Synagogue member Deborah Golub and her husband brought their two children to the discussion to help teach them about Islam.

"It's important for children to know as much as possible about other people and religions," Golub said.

Seventh-grade student Morgan Golub, 11 said learning about another religion in a familiar environment was a plus.

"I learned how similar the different religions are," Morgan said. "Now I know more about them which I think is good."

After the event, both Schwartz and Imam declared the evening a success.

"We're already making plans to get together," Schwartz said, with Imam adding, "This event is just the beginning."