Jews and Muslims Gather Around the World for a ‘Weekend of Twinning’

Haaretz
Shlomo Samir
November 17, 2011; 11:41pm

Some 125 meetings set to take place at 250 Jewish and Muslim institutions in 26 countries.

Thousands of Jews and Muslims across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa will participate in joint Jewish-Muslim events this weekend, as part of the “Weekend of Twinning” project.

The project began four years ago with a modest and limited scope at interreligious events that took place in synagogues and mosques in a few American cities.

Prominent Imams and Rabbis join together to speak out against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, Nov. 17, 2011. Credit: Charles Wiesehahn

This year, the project has expanded to become a global event, with 125 meetings taking place at 250 Jewish and Muslim institutions, including synagogues and mosques, in 26 countries.

In Israel, the joint events will take place in Jerusalem and the surrounding area, and will be led by rabbis and imams.

Rabbi Marc Schneier, FFEU President based in New York, told Haaretz he is “proud to showcase the unprecedented international gathering of Jews and Muslims that will take place this weekend.”

On the program are Torah and Quran lessons, lectures about subjects relating to Judaism and Islam and symposiums for members of the public from both religions.

In Boston, New Jersey, Washington and Toronto, community activists from both the Jewish and Muslim communities will, together, hand out food to the needy.

The “Weekend of Twinning” project began as an initiative of The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, an organization that was established for the purpose of promoting cooperation between Jews and African-Americans, but over the past few years it has focused its efforts on advancing dialogue and understanding between Jews and Muslims.

Schneier, who also serves as Vice President of the World Jewish Congress, said, “This historic outpouring of Muslims and Jews worldwide demonstrates that we not only share a common faith, but a common fate. It is our single destiny that we must strengthen our bonds of concern, compassion and caring for each other.”

Click here to read the original article.