Some in the audience, both Jewish and Muslim, appeared uncomfortable, but as the discussion progressed, both groups began to relax and be open to what was said.
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| From left, Imam Azhar Haneef, Munawar Ahmad Chaudhry and Dr. Khalid Minhas of the Achmadiyyah Muslim community join Rabbi Barry Silver for a panel discussion in Lake Worth. (Submitted photo / August 28, 2013) |
Source/Credit: South Florida Sun-Sentinel
By Shani McManus | August 28, 2013
Reform Congregation L'Dor Va-Dor in Lake Worth on Wednesday continued its monthly Rabbi Sam Silver Controversial Issues Series with the topic: "Can Jews and Muslims Get Along? And Where Are the Moderate Muslims?"
Rabbi Barry Silver joined panelists Dr. Khalid Minhas, director of public affairs for the Achmadiyyah Muslim community of Hollywood, Munawar Ahmad Chaudhry president of the Baitul-Naseer Mosque of Hallandale and Imam Azhar Haneef, national vice president of the Achmadiyyah Muslim community.
The auditorium of the Palm Beach School for Autism was packed for the evening discussion. The audience included several members of the Achmadiyyah Muslim community, a moderate Muslim sect, who traveled the many miles north from Broward County to participate in the discussion.
"I appreciate the willingness of Rabbi Silver to have me come and talk to you about can Jews and Muslims get along," Minhas, a cardiologist, said opening the discussion with a Muslim prayer.
Some in the audience, both Jewish and Muslim, appeared uncomfortable, but as the discussion progressed, both groups began to relax and be open to what was said.
"The goal is," Haneef said, "we want to learn more about each other. We're all part of this wonderful, spiritual family. I'm not going to gloss over the fact that we have some differences, but seeing us here together tonight is a good start."
Silver then addressed those gathered.
"We Jews and Muslims pray for peace," he said. "Peace is something we seek. And this gathering is important. Can Jews and Muslims get along? Yes. How ironic that a people who speak a language from the same source are in conflict."
Silver went on to say that he would be considered an "unbeliever" by Muslims because he doesn't believe in a personal God.
"But how can we get along?" Silver said. "We all have to work together. We all have to evolve to a point where we don't take the 'Book' literally."
Haneef responded, "I must respect what the rabbi said. Whether I agree with it, or not, is irrelevant. The Koran says I can't compel or coerce people to believe as I do."
The discussion became livelier with the question and answer segment. Someone asked, "Where is the tolerance? As a Jew, I can't go to Mecca. Why is there no tolerance around the Muslim world for a Jew?"
"Islam doesn't preach hate," Haneef responded.
Minhas answered the question. "This is an administrative decision by the Saudi government, and not by Muslims," he said. "We cannot defend the actions by other Muslims. We're here to talk about the Koran."
Another audience member asked, "Where is the outrage of moderate Muslims? You should speak out. It's not just the Jews; it's the Christians too — look at what's happening to the Coptic Christians."
Other questions covered Sharia Law and the treatment of women.
A Muslim in the audience asked Silver if he belonged to a separate Jewish "sect" because he didn't wear something on his head or around his shoulders.
"What makes someone Jewish is not what you wear on your head, but what's in your head," Silver said.
Another Muslim rose to make a comment.
"These are times when a microscopic few [Muslims] are causing havoc. It is all political," he said.
By the end of the evening, the two groups became friendly, conversing together over refreshments.
"All in all, it was a wonderful experience," Sharon Leibovitz of Lake Worth said. "It was a plus for Jews and Muslims."
Mohammad Mudassar, age 19, of Hallandale agreed. "I think it was a good start," he said. "I think we can achieve more if we keep doing something like this. We had a good discussion."
Chaudhry summed up the evening.
"Achmadiyyah Muslim Community is committed to interfaith dialogue and harmony. Our motto is 'Love for All, Hatred for None' and we are geared towards establishing cordial relationships with all faiths. We believe that there is an ever-increasing need to exchange ideas and respect differences between faiths," he said.
"Rabbi Barry Silver provided us an excellent opportunity to introduce Islam and share our thoughts about the Muslim-Jewish relationship and whether they can get along," he said. "We sincerely believe in the affirmative."
Copyright © 2013, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Read original post here: Coming together in friendship
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