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The Foundation is a national non-profit dedicated to strengthening relations between ethnic communities. We are committed to the belief that direct, face-to-face dialogue between ethnic communities is the most effective path towards the reduction of bigotry and the promotion of reconciliation and understanding. |
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At the urging of our Chairman, Russell Simmons, and President, Rabbi Marc Schneier, The Foundation has launched a Muslim-Jewish Dialogue initiative in 2005, leading two high profile Muslim-Jewish symposia. On October 30, 2005, The Daniel Pearl Dialogue for Muslim-Jewish Understanding was presented at The Museum of Jewish Heritage in conjunction with The Tribeca Film Institute. The program, co-sponsored by The Foundation, was introduced by Rabbi Schneier and Russell Simmons. Soon after, on November 16, 2005, Rabbi Schneier got a warm welcome at the largest Muslim dayschool in Queens, the Razi School. Rabbi Schneier was the featured speaker at the Razi School event which was organized by Walter Ruby, Boris Pincus and Dr. Ghassan El-Cheikhali of Religions in Dialogue, an organization dedicated to interfaith education. Rabbi Schneier spoke on the similarities and differences between Islam and Judaism to an audience of 200 students in grades 8 through 12. Students were given chance to ask questions and took the opportunity to quiz the Rabbi on topics as diverse (and controversial!) as modesty and dress for women to co-habitation before marriage and the nature of Jewish prayer. Other distinguished guests included Sayu Bhojwani, the Mayor's Deputy Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs and Razi School principal Dr. Ghassan El-Cheikhali who greeted the audience with a message of optimism and reciprocity, "The best way to increase tolerance is to listen to each other's stories and build relationships." New York Newsday and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency both covered this historic event. Stressing the necessity of reconciliation, Professors Judea Pearl and Akbar Ahmed strive to shift the nature of discourse from accusation and fear to inquiry and respect at the Daniel Pearl Dialogue for Muslim-Jewish Understanding. Doctors Pearl and Ahmed have been engaged in public dialogues across the country and abroad. The world came to know Daniel Pearl as the Wall Street Journal reporter who was murdered by terrorists in Pakistan, in early 2002. Since then, he has been remembered more for his courageous work than for his senseless death. Guided by shared values and inspired by Daniel's legacy, Professors Judea Pearl and Akbar Ahmed discussed Muslim-Jewish relations with a New York City audience for the first time. A highlight of their past dialogues was an appearance at the House of Lords in London, where they were welcomed by a Jewish, a Muslim, and a Christian Lord. Judea Pearl, father of Daniel Pearl, is President of the Daniel Pearl Foundation. The foundation was formed by Daniel's family and friends to continue his mission and to address the root causes of his death, in the spirit, style, and principles that shaped Daniel's work and character. Judea Pearl is the Director of UCLA's Cognitive System's Laboratory. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. Akbar Ahmed, is the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies and Professor of International Relations at American University in Washington, DC and the former High Commissioner of Pakistan to Great Britain. Dr. Ahmed is a distinguished anthropologist, writer, and filmmaker. He has been actively involved in interfaith dialogue and the study of global Islam and its impact on contemporary society for many years. Dr. Ahmed is a regular syndicated columnist for Religion News Service. View the photos for these events
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