DC synagogue hosts iftar meal in show of solidarity between Jews, Muslims

• Published date: 24 March 2024
• Author: JERUSALEM POST STAFF
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Iftar is the fast-breaking evening meal for Muslims during Ramadan, held at the time of the call to prayer of the Maghrib prayer

The event's additional organizers included Masjid Muhammad: The Nation's Mosque, Muslim Women's Speakers, and the Embassy of Israel to the United States. The House of Ruach Foundation sponsored it. Masjid Muhammad was not in attendance at the event.

The Ramadan event included speeches, a Muslim prayer, and a festive fast-breaking meal.

In attendance were the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador to the United States, Sven Alkalaj, and the Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism at the US Department of State, Aaron Keyak.

The primary event organizer, Anila Ali, president of AMMWEC, was the first speaker. She began by saying, "We are gathered here today to celebrate our friendship and our solidarity. Rabbi Weinblatt has opened his house at a very critical time. We had an ifar that was beautiful last year, and we wanted to return, and we were worried that he may not let us, but I'm so happy to be here, and so is my board, so thank you for being courageous."

Showing up is courageous

Several of the following speakers echoed her sentiment that it was courageous to show up at the interfaith event.

Ali continued, "AMMWEC's vision is very simple. We want a world where Muslims fight antisemitism, Jews fight islamophobia, and together, we fight hate because we know what hate is. We know what hate is we know that it starts with the Jewish people, but it doesn't end there."

Following Ali, the Senior rabbi of the conservative congregation spoke. He said that the fate of Jews and Muslims is entangled, as "we are all children of Abraham." He said that because we are siblings, "our relationships can be complicated at times." He then shared that the event received hate messages, requiring the synagogue to tighten security for the event. He thanked the law enforcement stationed within and outside the synagogue.

Through many of the speeches, statements on the importance of showing solidarity in these...