House of Peace Jewish-Muslim Outreach

Over the last several years, in the face of persistent anti-Muslim rhetoric and pervasive Islamophobia, we have deepened our relationship with our Muslim neighbors in New York City while also learning more about Islam in America and worldwide. We stand with our Muslim friends and they have stood with us, praying together, celebrating together, and mourning together.

Rallies and Other Activities

Contingents from House of Peace have participated in rallies and actions throughout the city. We have joined our Muslim friends in interfaith Passover services and we volunteer to serve Iftar dinners at the Islamic Center at NYU on multiple nights during the month of Ramadan.

The Personal Impact of House of Peace

• “Having had little contact with Muslims prior to our initiatives, I am especially moved by our personal interactions. Friday afternoon has become a meaningful ritual for me.” —Susan Meyer
• “When I first joined the efforts of The House of Peace, I thought I’d bring a show of support to our Muslim friends and, by doing so, give them a positive feeling that they are not alone. After participating for several weeks in this effort and seeing the tears in their eyes, the smiles on their faces and feeling the warmth of their hugs, it is I who has benefited significantly by this mitzvah.” —Gerald Goldhaber
• “Participation is a regular reminder of the urgent necessity to practice empathy. Sitting alone in my apartment leaves me feeling hopeless and helpless; joining with others strengthens me immeasurably and I hope my presence can strengthen others.” —Sherry Fyman

House of Peace in the News

• The Daily Beast: LGBT Synagogue Stands Up for Muslim Rights
• The Forward: Common Ground: Jews and Muslim Join Together
• Jewish Week: Jews Gather at Rallies Urging Support for Refugees
• The Villager: LGBT Jews Show Support for Muslims
• Ha’aretz opinion piece by Rabbi Kleinbaum: Neither Trump nor Terror Will Break Our Jewish-Muslim Solidarity

Learning Resources

Explore these print and online resources to better understand Islam and the relations between Muslims and Jews, both historic and contemporary.

Books

• An Introduction to Islam for Jews, Reuven Firestone, PhD
• How to Pray: A Step-by-Step Guide to Prayer in Islam, Mustafa Umar.
• How to Be A Perfect Stranger, Stuart M. Matlins, Arthur J. Magida
• No God but God, Reza Aslan

Apps

• Prayspace: A smartphone app that guides you through Muslim prayers with transliterations, translations, audio, and demonstrations of the choreography of Muslim prayer.

Online

• American Muslims and Religious Freedom FAQ from the Interfaith Alliance
• An A-to-Z Guide on Being a Muslim Ally by Zoha Qamar
• Step by Step Guide to Muslim Prayer