Muslim Delegation Attends Passover Seders

Monday evening, April 2, 2007 marked the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover. This year, 11 Muslims joined New York synagogues for their first seder ritual experience. The Muslim delegation took part in the International Visitor Leadership program: Religious Diversity in America; A Regional Project for South Asia and Central Asia run by the United States State Department. This program brings an estimated 4,000 emerging leaders from around the world to the United States every year. Those participating have not previously been to the US and this trip enables them to get a glimpse of religious diversity in America and take the impressions back to their home countries.

This particular delegation consisted of 11 Muslim journalists, academics and non-profit leaders from India, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Pakistan. The group traveled across the United States for three weeks examining religious diversity in America. Russell Simmons was approached with this unique and important dialogue opportunity and The Foundation, together with the New York Board of Rabbis where Rabbi Marc Schneier previously served as president, placed the delegation in two different synagogues, Congregation Rodeph Sholom under the leadership of Rabbi Robert Levine, and Sutton Place Synagogue under the leadership of Rabbi Allan Schranz.

Anatoli Samochornov, group leader said "This was a once in a lifetime experience for the group. They have never been into a synagogue nonetheless attended a Jewish Passover Seder before. The congregations greeted them with lots of warmth, they were seated at the head table with the rabbi and had the opportunity to ask questions about the ritual and the Jewish religion. It was a real positive and eye opening experience for the delegation."

Copyright © 2007 The Foundation For Ethnic Understanding
The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding was founded in 1989 by Rabbi Marc Schneier and the late Joseph Papp.
We are committed to the belief that direct, face-to-face, dialogue between leaders of ethnic communities is
the most effective path toward the reduction of bigotry and the promotion of reconciliation and understanding.

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