Maha Elgenaidi’s Remarks at Interfaith Gathering Against Hate

By Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director.

This speech was delivered at the Interfaith Gathering Against Hate on August 25th, 2017 at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco. You can watch a video of Maha’s speech here and read a longer article about the event here.

While I don’t hold the titles of my esteemed co-panelists, I am the ED of an organization that is well respected in the national Muslim community, which is viewed by Muslims, both leaders and lay people, as their representative in interfaith work. And so in this capacity I am here to state without hesitation or equivocation that the American Muslim community stands with you, the Jewish community, against anti-Semitism, hate and bigotry. 
 
While we may have some differences on one issue that is not insignificant, that difference requires us to get more in relationship with one another, not to keep ourselves apart. And that difference does not and should not supersede our shared humanity and our shared values of compassion and mercy for one another.
 
I am ready along with my co-religionists to wear the Star of David and declare myself a Jew in the face of anti-Semitism.  Please know that the Muslim community stands with you in solidarity against all forms of hate.