It’s hard to believe that the month of January is already coming to a close. It has been an incredibly busy (and cold!) month.
While in New York this past weekend for a JFNA Board meeting, one of our board members emailed me an article written by Mohammad Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and president of the International Organization of Muslim Scholars. His article, titled “Why Muslims from around the world should remember the Holocaust” was written just days before this year’s International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th.
The article expressed Mr. Al-Issa’s support of the Jewish community, and encouraged the Muslim community to educate themselves and future generations about the Holocaust. Mr. Al-Issa said, “As adherents to a faith committed to tolerance, coexistence and respect for the dignity of all mankind, we share a responsibility to confront those who would carry Adolf Hitler’s torch today, and to join hands with people of goodwill of all nations and faiths to prevent genocide wherever it threatens innocent lives.”
Just days prior, on January 21st, communities across the country came together to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, and offer their support to the African American community. As I read the article and thought about Martin Luther King Day, I was quickly reminded of the many people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and faiths who stand against the hate and intolerance that still exists in today’s world.
On February 6th, the Jewish, Christian and Muslim community will join together for an event titled “Dr. King’s Focus on Unity: Understanding the People of God Through the Prism of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.” The evening, moderated by Judge Walter H. Rice, will feature speakers from different religious backgrounds, including Rabbi Ari Ballaban of Temple Beth Or (and the Federation’s JCRC Director). You can find more information about this event on the flyer here.
Despite the heinous acts that still plague our world, I truly believe that most people choose to embrace diversity. I am so grateful for the many people and organizations in our community who work so hard to help us understand each other.
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