By COLlive reporter
On April 18th, the Brooklyn community gathered for the 2nd annual Chasidic Muslim Iftar event at the new German School on Sterling and Rogers Ave.
The event was co-hosted by Assemblyman Brian Cunningham and Assemblyman Charles Fall in partnership with Masjid Kawthar, the Jewish Future Alliance, and the German School, with 70 guests in attendance.
Despite the Assemblymen being called back to Albany over the budget, they were able to participate remotely on a large screen in front of the room.
The event was emceed by Raul Rothblatt from Assembly Member Cunningham’s office, and attendees heard from a variety of speakers, including Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, Assemblyman Charles Fall, Imam Rasheed Jabaar, and Rabbis Yaacov Behrman and Mendy Margolin from the Jewish Future Alliance. Mark Appel from the Bridge, and Imam Kibw Abdul Hakim also spoke at the event.
The Muslim community broke their fast at 7:41 pm with food catered by longtime Chassidic Crown caterer Meir Cohen, who was born in Iran. The Middle Eastern-themed menu emphasized Jewish-Muslim relations, including fruits and assorted desserts, olives and dates, and hot drinks to break the fast, and a main course of Shawarma, stuffed chicken, kebabs, couscous, rice, burekas, and assorted salads.
Notable attendees included Eli Slavin, Community Liaison at Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Yosef Hershkop, Practice Manager at KāMIN HEALTH, Bob Kaplan JCRC, and District Leader Sarana Purcell, Yankee Pearson, Dante B. Arnwine, Community Board 9, Administrator Masjid Ikwa, Mendy Weisz, and Itzik Roytman.
The purpose of the event was to advance Muslim-Jewish relations and create unity between the Chassidic and Muslim communities. The event was a resounding success and demonstrated the power of coming together to share in the spirit of togetherness and respect.
Assembly Member Brian A. Cunningham said, “As this time of contemplation and reflection comes to an end, let’s embark on a season of fellowship and renewal. In partnership with Masjid Kawthar, Jewish Future Alliance, and Assemblyman Charles Fall, my annual iftar celebrates our shared commonalities and bridges the gap between communities. As we break bread, let’s embody the change we want to see in our community.”
Assemblyman Charles D. Fall added, “During the month of Ramadan, we look to embody the core values of self-reflection, putting others before ourselves, and making sure we have a commitment to community. This month is a wonderful reminder of the importance of showing compassion and dignity for all people. I am proud to partner with my colleague in government Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, The Jewish Futures Alliance, and Masjid Kawthar to host an Iftar Dinner at the German School Brooklyn. I extend my gratitude and wish everyone a blessed month.”
Rabbi Yaacov Behrman summed up the event saying, “In the midst of global tragedies, it is imperative that we unite and amplify our voices for peace. Together, we have the power to make a positive impact and promote a message of hope and unity. As grandchildren of Abraham and residents of New York, we share much in common. Let’s focus on that.”
VIDEO
There’s nothing like breaking a fast with food from Mermelstein’s.
Great
Head shliach to crown heights bh !
A beautiful kiddush Hashem! This is what brings moshiach. We should continue to embrace and support all people of all backgrounds, lifestyles and religions.
And what if said lifestyles are in open violation of Torah? Or if said religions have principles that are against the Torah? A “kiddush Hashem” means following what Hashem says, not what gets likes on Facebook.
There is no such thing as a lifestyle that is in violation of the Torah, as long as you’re not causing harm to anyone else.
There is no such thing as a religion that embraces any principles that are against the Torah, as long as that religion is not causing harm to anyone else.
A kiddush Hashem is showing the world that we are a tolerant, accepting, and loving people who reflect the same love Hashem gives to us.
Exactly. Its understandable why the community might not embrace this type of event at first; keeping in mind it happens once a year. However if we don’t take the time to reach out, build bridges and communicate with our neighbors, this is how resentments and misperceptions form and fester. One of the reasons the Crown Heights riots took place because we are in general an insular community. And as such people take that as ‘you don’t like me, Im not good enough for you to say good morning or excuse me ‘ We live in a world in which we… Read more »
A rav was consulted. There was a lot of thought put into this.
Let’s start with our fellow yidden
Its say to see so many people disagree with this. I don’t know how we can expect to be treated properly when we can not speak to and support others who are different.
Really sad to see this insular attitude from the number of people who disagreed.
Search for Weekly Moment with the Rebbe 157 featured on this very website for a letter from the Rebbe regarding “interfaith dialogue.”
https://staging.collive.com/weekly-moment-with-the-rebbe-157/amp/
such amazing event
massive kiddish hashem
inspirational…we need more interfaith events like this to bring peace to our community
It may be necessary, as we’re still in galus, to participate in such events because of shlom malchus (whether that’s so is a question for a rav). But “amazing” and “inspirational”? Let alone a “massive kiddush Hashem”? Save those for events that strengthen our connection with Hashem.
How about intercommunity events to bring peace within the community.
Interesting to note that the laws of בישול עכום, פת עכום, and סתם יינם were instituted to prevent mixing between Jews and gentiles. While interfaith dialogue is a very progressive and inspiring idea I would wonder what the חכמים would say about this.
Was a reliable Orthodox rabbi consulted about this event? As a person I am not against such an event but I would like to know what is torah’s perspective on such a thing. Just because an idea sounds nice and appetizing to the open-minded culture that we have, doesn’t mean that it is the Jewish way.
Hmm. Was a rav consulted?
Yes
we should do this with black pastors as well, we have more in common than we think.
The organizers of this event as well as leaders of the CHJCC and JCM have been reaching out to Pastors and leadership in the black community for years and this is a definite priority of our leaders. Often they do not get recognized for the great efforts they put in, but there is much time, effort and energy that goes into this even till today.
I don’t really understand how this differs from the Rebbe’s fiery sichos about interfaith duologue.
I think us ignorant Lubavitchers need a proper explanation from our rabbanim about the difference between the two.
In today’s crazy mixed up world, these types of activities make a powerful and huge statement. Ohaiv shalom v’rodaif shalom brings a bright light to chase away a lot of darkness!! Kain yirbu
A BEAUTIFUL KIDDUSH HSHEM
I find it sad that people are so easy to criticize those who try to bring Shalom to our community . If you haven’t noticed, there has been a great rise in antisemitism acts especially in Crown Heightsand to me, anyone who makes an effort and yes has consulted with a community rav should be given some benefit of the doubt. Fast forward, the other Iftar that just took place in Belgium, was attended by many Rabbis and their wives and was actually a very special celebration of the great strides in relations made because of the Abraham Accords. Today… Read more »