Representing three dozen Bay Area Muslim and Jewish houses of worship and non-profit organizations, and led by ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi and Rabbi Nathanial Ezray of Temple Beth Jacob-Conservative, more than 50 Muslims and Jews gathered together last night at Yaseen Islamic Center in Burlingame to break bread and discuss a shared path forward. The evening began with prayers and a statement of vision for the future of our two communities working together — based on decades of local Jewish-Muslim efforts, an exploration of new opportunities, and a clear strategy to address common causes and concerns in light of increasing Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.
The evening launched an organized effort of leaders that will meet regularly and provide support for local programs, events, and other joint efforts. In the current political climate, such organized efforts are more important than ever.