By Imam Shamsi Ali
New York City is a melting pot of humanity, with diverse ethnic, national, cultural, and religious backgrounds. As such, it should serve as a role model for global harmony, peace, and cooperation among its citizens. My long-term vision emphasizes the importance of interfaith cooperation in NYC, where faith leaders play a crucial role in maintaining peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
Faith leaders are trusted by their communities and have direct interactions with their constituents, making them ideal role models. Houses of worship, such as synagogues, churches, mosques, and temples, are not just centers for ritual activities but hubs for human life. Building relationships and cooperation among these institutions can positively impact harmonious relationships among NYC citizens.
To address hate crimes and antisemitism, concrete steps are needed, such as intensifying interfaith dialogue, involving clergy, community leaders, and academics in promoting inclusive and contextual religious interpretations. Interfaith social activities, like soup kitchens for the homeless, can also foster cooperation.
The Muslim and Jewish communities can work together, leveraging their shared Abrahamic roots. Initiatives like joint community events, clergy meetings, and social services can promote cooperation. I've been involved in building relationships with the Jewish community, including a 2004 high-level meeting of Imams and Rabbis, and co-authoring a book with a Jewish titled: Sons of Abraham: issues that unite and divide Jews and Muslims.
Key Initiatives:
- Interfaith Dialogue: Foster mutual understanding and respect among different faiths
- Community Service: Collaborate on social issues, such as poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare
- Youth Engagement: Promote interfaith understanding and cooperation among young people
- Education: Develop ongoing educational programs to reduce misunderstandings and hate.
Building Trust:
- Faith leaders should be visible and actively involved in crises, protests, and conflicts
- Government support is essential for interfaith initiatives
- Ongoing educational programs can promote long-term trust and cooperation, such as developing a more progressive and contextual interpretation of religious texts to foster harmonious relationships among faith communities.
Conclusion:
In recent months, we've witnessed deep divisions in New York City's society due to differing views and political choices. The mayoral election is over, and now it's time to look forward and build unity and cooperation to make New York City better, safer, and more accessible for all its citizens.
By working together, New York City can be a role model for many cities around the globe as its title “capital of world”.
Member of Mayor elect Mamdani’s Transition Team