Following last Saturday’s alarming hostage-taking incident at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, during Shabbat services, Muslim and other interfaith leaders are coming together on Friday, January 21st, at 3 PM EST, to condemn the attack and show solidarity with the Jewish community at a special virtual rally co-hosted by the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC), the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), and the Mukhayriq Initiative.

The gathering — led by AMMWEC President Anila Ali — will deliver a powerful message against all forms of violence and extremism.

Some extremist leaders argue that Muslims and Jews are “enemies” — dangerous rhetoric that demonizes, divides, and incites violence. After Saturday’s attack, mainstream leaders can be silent no longer. They must come together as allies and friends, to celebrate unity and stand against hate.

Mainstream Muslims and Jews know that a new era of peaceful coexistence can be theirs if they stand up to extremism and promote shared values.

“Silence is complicity — and we cannot stay silent about a climate of antisemitism tolerated by some Muslim leaders,” Ali said. “Just as the Tree of Life Synagogue attack forced American society to confront far-right antisemitism, the Congregation Beth Israel attack requires an honest reckoning with demonization promoted by Islamist extremists.”

The speakers lineup includes: Rabbi Marcia Tilchin, Founder, Jewish Collaborative of Orange County; Faryal Khan, AMMWEC Vice-President; Imam Abdullah Antepli, Associate Professor of the Practice in the Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University; Ellie Cohanim of the Mukhayriq Initiative; and Frieda Rosenberg of Hadassah.

REGISTER for the event at: https://tinyurl.com/muslimsandjews

For more information about the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, please visit: ammwec.org