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During the meeting, Wieder highlighted the struggles and tribulations that adherents to both religions have faced. While presenting the menorah to the Sheikh, Wieder decried the recent anti-Muslim sentiments being perpetuated across the nation.
“All it takes is a single light to bring hope, solace, and peace,” Wieder said, referencing the light of the menorah and its storied capacity to overcome all darkness in the world.
With recent national and international headlines fostering more intolerance against Muslim-Americans, Wieder sought to use the story of Hanukkah, in which one small remaining canister of oil lit the temple’s menorah for eight days in the midst of great darkness, to demonstrate how even a small gathering about tolerance could serve as a starting point to wipe out prejudice.
“Our gathering was a very positive experience for all of us, and I look forward to holding even more meetings in the future to promote harmony and understanding among all the diverse groups in Rockland,” Wieder stated. “Open dialogue and tolerance are unassailable virtues of a decent society, and we must do more to encourage that behavior in Rockland.”
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