Muslim Leader Speaks at Major Jewish Convention—A First

Dr. Ingrid Mattson, president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), became the first leader of a major Muslim group to address a national Jewish gathering when she spoke at the Union for Reform Judaism’s Convention on Sunday December 16th. Her address called for dialogue and solidarity of the two communities.   "If our religious traditions are going to survive, they have to demonstrate not only that they are good in themselves, but that they are good all together," stated. Dr. Mattson. "That religious difference does not lead to conflict and disorder in society, but that religious differences only serve to enrich our collective understanding of the Creator who is beyond the comprehension of any created being."   In August Rabbi Yoffie, President of the URJ, spoke at the ISNA, the first Jewish leader to address a major Muslim audience.   Following her speech Dr. Mattson and Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Union, unveiled a national Jewish-Muslim dialogue  project in communities across the country. Ten synagogue-mosque partners have already agreed to pilot the program – Children of Abraham: Jews and Muslims in Conversation. Posted December 17, 2007