Rabbi leads city’s Muslim parade as grand marshal in show of unity

The New York Daily News
By Reuven Blau

The annual Muslim Day Parade went from Muhammad to Moses as a show of unity Sunday.

Parade organizers tapped Rabbi Marc Schneier as an honorary grand marshal to send a message of togetherness between the two religions.

“This is a clear message to the world that we can be united despite our differences,” said Imam Shamsi Ali, president of the Muslim Foundation of America, the umbrella group organizing the parade.

Schneier said he was honored to kick off the 32nd Muslim parade at 38th St. and Madison Ave.

“We have witnessed a real coming together of Muslims and Jews in America that serves as a paradigm for other nations,” he said, noting many Jewish organizations have been at the forefront in opposing the Trump administration’s travel ban plans.

“As the children of Abraham, we recognize that we both have a common faith, and a common fate,” added Schneier, who serves as the spiritual leader of the Hampton Synagogue in Westhampton Beach, L.I.

Ali acknowledged that some Muslim leaders were against the decision to have Schneier kick off the parade.

“Some people voiced their concerns,” he said. “But the majority was so happy to have a rabbi to be part of the parade.”

Ali and Schneier have long been close.

In 2013, they teamed up to write a book, “Sons of Abraham: A Candid Conversation About the Issues That Divide and Unite Jews and Muslims.”

Schneier is also the president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, a group that advocates for religious unity.

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