Washington, D.C., July 22, 2025 — On Monday morning faith leaders and activists gathered at the nation’s capital for the AMMWEC National Coalition Conference Against Hate, an interfaith summit dedicated to confronting antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of extremism through unity, strength, and love.
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Barbara Goodman, a Jewish American community leader, who recalled her long friendship with organizer Anila Ali. Goodman underscored “hate damages the core of individuals,” and invoked the recent loss of Sarah Mgrim and Yvon Lashinski—two innocent victims of hateful violence in Washington, D.C.—pledging that the coalition will “build a country where such tragedies never happen again.”
In today’s world, where hate and division often dominate headlines, the need for interfaith dialogue and unity has never been more urgent. Fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of hate requires collective action, rooted in respect, understanding, and shared commitment to peace. This blog post explores the powerful voices, initiatives, and insights from an inspiring coalition of Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and other faith leaders who are uniting to combat hate, promote religious freedom, and build bridges across communities.
Interfaith Prayers for Peace
Representatives from multiple faiths then processed to the front of the hall to lead prayers:
- Imam Musa J., founder of the Muslim–Israel Dialogue, offered a Qur’anic invocation for guidance, protection, and harmony.
- Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center reflected on the biblical story of Moses at the burning bush, inviting attendees to “remove the barriers” that block vulnerability and humility.
- Reverend Alyssa Thomas-Newborn, president of the Nishama Association of Jewish Chaplains, spoke of the unifying power of the Spirit across Jewish and Christian traditions.
- Pastor Jennifer Glenner of Fortworth United Methodist Church called on the “God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”—as well as Hagar and Ishmael—to pour out a spirit of peace and justice.
The interwoven prayers set a tone of mutual respect and shared purpose, reminding participants of the “holy ground” beneath their feet.
Spotlight on Grassroots Leadership
After the opening rituals, board chair Anila Ali addressed the audience, greeting them with “salamu alaykum, shalom, namaste” and thanking volunteers, partners, and attendees who traveled from as far as Pakistan and Dubai. Ali emphasized that while “hate is evil,” the “first victim is the one who harbors it,” and invoked both Islamic and American founding principles—quoting the Qur’an and George Washington—to affirm the right of all faiths to worship freely and love one another.
Ali then recognized dozens of AMMWEC’s executive board members and fellows, highlighting their grassroots work across the country. Among them were:
- Zabrina Zuber, a leader in the Bangladeshi American community in California.
- Suraya Zeba, who bore witness to October 7 atrocities in Israel.
- Simron Singh, a Sikh American advocate for religious freedom.
- Myra Zamir, a World Bank gender economist.
- Farhana Khorshed, executive director of the New England Bangladeshi American Foundation.
- Ata Shana, New York City’s first Muslim woman liaison in the Mayor’s Office.
- Anam Mikra, Texas-based founder of “Rooted in Unity,” promoting interfaith harmony.
Each spoke briefly about their journey combating hate in education, journalism, community organizing, and public service, weaving together a narrative of collective action.
The following highlights summarize the main outcomes of the conference:
Understanding Anti-Semitism and Its Impact
What Is Anti-Semitism?
Anti-Semitism refers to hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Jewish people. It is a form of hate that not only threatens Jewish communities but also undermines the moral fabric of society as a whole. Historically, unchecked anti-Semitism has often escalated into broader societal violence and division, making its prevention essential for social harmony.
The Rising Tide of Hate
Recent years have seen a disturbing increase in anti-Semitic attacks worldwide, including violent incidents in the United States. These tragedies are reminders that hate is a pervasive issue requiring urgent attention from all corners of society. Faith communities hold a unique responsibility to confront and dismantle hate within their own spaces and beyond.
The Role of Interfaith Leadership in Combating Hate
The Power of Unity Across Faiths
Interfaith coalitions bring together diverse religious traditions to work collaboratively against hate and extremism. Leaders from Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Sikh, and other faiths emphasize that differences in belief should not divide us but rather serve as a foundation for mutual respect and cooperation.
Inspiring Voices from the Front Lines
The fight against anti-Semitism and hate is championed by courageous leaders like Anila Ali, founder of AMWAC (American Muslim Women for Advocacy and Change), Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Imam Musa J, and many others. These leaders demonstrate the power of grassroots activism, education, and interfaith dialogue in fostering understanding and peace.
Building a Movement: Stories and Strategies
Grassroots Efforts and Community Engagement
Organizations like AMWAC mobilize women and men across the U.S. and internationally to stand united against hate. Their work includes community education, advocacy, and creating safe spaces for dialogue. The movement grows stronger by connecting local leaders and empowering younger generations to carry the torch of peace.
Education as a Tool for Change
Education is one of the most effective tools for combating hate. By promoting religious literacy and cultural understanding, communities can break down stereotypes and prejudice. Programs that include interfaith prayers, shared meals, and cultural celebrations foster empathy and strengthen the bonds between diverse groups.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
Faith leaders advocate for embracing diversity as a core strength. Highlighting the Quranic teaching that God created people differently so that they may know one another, these leaders emphasize the importance of listening, respecting differences, and working together to build a just society.
Personal Stories of Courage and Commitment
Voices of Women Leaders
The conference highlights the inspiring work of Muslim women leaders such as Anila Ali, Farhana Khorshed, and Nurun Alam, who are breaking barriers and championing women’s empowerment, interfaith harmony, and religious freedom. Their stories reflect resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to peacebuilding.
Youth Engagement and Future Generations
Young activists like Riselle Mashe and Aisha represent the next generation of peacebuilders. Their involvement in interfaith projects and advocacy underscores the importance of nurturing youth leadership to sustain and expand the movement for tolerance and justice.
Overcoming Challenges and Hatred
Many community members share personal experiences of confronting hate, whether in schools, places of worship, or society at large. Their testimonies emphasize the need for solidarity, courage, and ongoing dialogue to dismantle bigotry and build inclusive communities.
Key Themes in Interfaith Solidarity
Love Over Hate
A recurring theme throughout the coalition’s work is that love heals and hate destroys. By choosing love, respect, and understanding, communities can resist division and create lasting peace.
The Covenant of Peace
Drawing from religious teachings, leaders speak of a “covenant of peace” — a sacred commitment to work together for justice, mercy, and harmony. This spiritual framing strengthens the moral imperative to fight anti-Semitism and promote unity.
Shared Humanity and Moral Clarity
Faith leaders emphasize recognizing the divine value in every life and the moral clarity required to stand firmly against hate. This shared humanity becomes the foundation for collective action and healing.
Practical Steps to Combat Anti-Semitism
Engage in Local Interfaith Initiatives
Joining or supporting local interfaith groups can help build bridges and foster understanding in communities. These initiatives often include dialogues, cultural events, and educational programs.
Promote Religious Literacy
Encouraging educational curricula that include diverse religious histories and teachings helps reduce ignorance and prejudice among young people.
Support Victims and Speak Out
Standing in solidarity with victims of hate crimes and publicly condemning acts of anti-Semitism sends a clear message that hate will not be tolerated.
Use Social Media Responsibly
Amplifying positive messages of unity and combating misinformation online is critical in the digital age. Using hashtags like #AMWACLive and engaging with allied organizations helps promote awareness and solidarity.
Faith Communities Addressing Anti-Semitism: Challenges & Solutions
Introduction
Anti-Semitism remains a critical challenge impacting faith communities worldwide. This post explores the urgent issues faced by Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Christian communities in confronting anti-Semitism, the role of education and media, and how interfaith collaboration can foster peace and solidarity. Drawing from an insightful panel discussion featuring religious leaders, activists, and experts, we highlight practical strategies and real-life experiences that illuminate the path forward.
Understanding the Challenges Within Faith Communities
Lack of Communication and Dialogue
One of the primary challenges faith communities face in addressing anti-Semitism is the lack of open communication, especially between Jewish and Muslim communities. Misunderstandings and stereotypes often persist due to insufficient interfaith dialogue. Many Muslims are unfamiliar with Jewish values and vice versa, which perpetuates fear and mistrust. Establishing forums and joint faith events helps bridge knowledge gaps and build empathy.
Education Deficits and Misperceptions
A significant hurdle is the lack of comprehensive education about Judaism and Islam within each community. Despite references to shared faith figures in religious texts, many Muslims and Jews have limited understanding of each other’s beliefs and worldviews. This ignorance can fuel stereotypes and contribute to the normalization of anti-Semitic attitudes.
The “New Normal” of Rising Anti-Semitism
Recent years have witnessed a disturbing rise in anti-Semitic incidents, particularly on social media platforms. This “new normal” includes hateful content, AI-generated misinformation, and violent rhetoric becoming commonplace. This normalization poses a grave risk to social cohesion and requires urgent collective action.
Conflict Resolution Deficits
Post-crisis periods, like after the October 7 attacks, reveal a lack of effective conflict resolution strategies within communities. Many avoid difficult conversations necessary to address grievances and differences. There is a pressing need for faith leaders and community members to engage courageously in dialogue and joint problem-solving.
The Role of Interfaith Leadership and Solidarity
Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
Faith leaders emphasize the importance of stepping beyond comfort zones to build trust and solidarity. Whether through visiting communities abroad or hosting interfaith events at home, such initiatives help dismantle stereotypes and foster mutual understanding.
Importance of Courageous Individuals
Groups are only as strong as the individuals who comprise them. Courageous leaders who publicly stand against anti-Semitism and other forms of hate inspire collective action. The example of “Nakshon,” a biblical figure who took the first step into the sea, symbolizes the need for bold pioneers in interfaith solidarity.
Shared Values and Citizenship
Common values, such as those embodied in citizenship oaths and shared cultural commitments, can unite diverse faith communities. Recognizing these shared foundations is key to forging alliances that transcend religious divides.
Building Intentional Bridges
Interfaith bridge-building requires intentionality and sustained effort. Casual encounters are insufficient; proactive engagement, including collaborative community projects and honest conversations, are necessary to build durable relationships.
Practical Strategies to Confront Anti-Semitism
Education and Curriculum Reform
Integrating accurate, balanced education about different faiths and cultures into school curricula helps combat ignorance that fuels hate. Teaching children about Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and other religions promotes respect and inclusivity from an early age.
Community Outreach and Conflict Resolution Training
Faith organizations are developing programs focused on conflict resolution and interfaith understanding. These initiatives equip leaders and community members with tools to navigate tensions constructively.
Leveraging Media and Digital Platforms
Media play a dual role in either amplifying hate or fostering hope. Utilizing digital media strategically through films, podcasts, and social media campaigns can challenge stereotypes and promote positive narratives. Training advocates in media literacy and storytelling empowers communities to counter harmful messages effectively.
Culinary Connections and Shared Experiences
Shared activities such as cooking and communal meals create informal spaces for dialogue and friendship. Culinary connections that respect dietary laws and cultural practices symbolize unity and provide a foundation for deeper engagement.
Addressing Anti-Semitism in Healthcare
Manifestations and Impact
Anti-Semitism in healthcare settings is an alarming phenomenon. Jewish healthcare professionals and patients face discrimination, exclusion, and hostility even in environments dedicated to care and healing. Such bias compromises trust, patient safety, and workplace harmony.
Studies and Findings
Recent studies reveal that a significant percentage of Jewish medical professionals have experienced anti-Semitism in academic and clinical settings. Medical students and trainees are particularly vulnerable due to their relative lack of power and fear of retaliation.
Organizational Responses
Groups like the American Jewish Medical Association (AJMA) have formed to provide support, advocate for policy enforcement, and educate healthcare institutions about anti-Semitism. Emphasizing the Hippocratic oath’s call to care for all patients without prejudice is central to these efforts.
The Role of Chaplains and Mental Health Professionals
Jewish chaplains and psychologists play a vital role in supporting those affected by anti-Semitism in healthcare. They provide spiritual care, mental health support, and advocacy for policies that protect Jewish staff and patients.
Media’s Role in Countering Hate and Promoting Interfaith Harmony
Digital Media as a Tool for Change
Digital storytelling can transcend geographical and cultural barriers, enabling interfaith dialogue on a global scale. Short films, podcasts, and social media content can challenge stereotypes and humanize diverse communities.
Amplifying Women’s Voices
Women often serve as frontline peacebuilders. Empowering women leaders and storytellers through media amplifies messages of harmony, resilience, and hope.
Training and Resources
Organizations like Empower Women Media provide free educational tools and training to help activists and community leaders use digital media effectively to combat hate and promote religious freedom.
Success Stories
Case studies, such as transforming attitudes among Taliban leaders through visual storytelling, demonstrate media’s power to inspire empathy and change entrenched beliefs.
Anti-Semitism in Education: A Battlefield and a Solution
Early Signs and Long-Term Effects
Anti-Semitism manifests early in school environments, contributing to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and trauma among Jewish students. The impact extends from K-12 through higher education.
Weaponization of Social Justice
On college campuses, social justice rhetoric is sometimes manipulated to marginalize Jewish students and legitimize anti-Semitic narratives. Faculty and administrative responses vary, with some lacking the knowledge or will to confront this dynamic effectively.
The Need for Trauma-Informed Education
Schools and universities must adopt trauma-informed policies that ensure emotional and physical safety for all students, including Jewish and Zionist students. This approach includes recognizing and addressing anti-Semitism as a form of trauma.
Building Safe Spaces and Networks
Jewish students benefit from finding supportive communities such as Hillel and Chabad on campuses. Faculty allies and visibility campaigns help create safer and more inclusive academic environments.
Balancing Mental Health and Activism
Sustained advocacy against anti-Semitism requires attention to mental health and self-care for activists and students alike. Developing coping strategies and support networks is essential to maintaining resilience.
Moving Forward: Collective Responsibility and Action
Education of Elected Officials and Policymakers
Advocates emphasize the importance of educating government leaders about anti-Semitism and the diverse faith communities they serve. Many officials lack sufficient understanding, hindering effective policy responses.
Holding Institutions Accountable
Institutions, from schools to hospitals, must enforce policies against hate and discrimination. Public advocacy and community organizing play critical roles in demanding accountability.
Being Upstanders, Not Bystanders
Every individual has the power to stand against hate by speaking out, supporting victims, and fostering inclusive environments. Collective action amplifies impact.
Building Intentional Networks
Organizing around specific issues with committed groups rather than large, unfocused crowds ensures sustained progress. Clear goals, refined strategies, and quality leadership are key.
Embracing Shared Humanity
At the core of all efforts is the recognition of shared human dignity. Faith communities united by respect, empathy, and love can overcome divisions and work toward lasting peace.
Conclusion
The fight against anti-Semitism requires a multifaceted approach grounded in education, courageous leadership, interfaith dialogue, and community empowerment. By embracing shared values and fostering genuine relationships, faith communities can transform the challenge of division into an opportunity for solidarity and healing. Media, healthcare, education, and government all have crucial roles to play, but ultimately, change begins with each individual’s commitment to justice, empathy, and action.
The fight against anti-Semitism and hate is not one community’s burden alone; it is a collective responsibility. Through interfaith collaboration, education, and courageous leadership, it is possible to build a future where differences are celebrated rather than feared. The inspiring stories and strategies shared by coalition leaders remind us that peace is attainable when we choose love over hate, unity over division.
Let us commit to standing together—side by side, faith by faith—to create a world grounded in respect, dignity, and peace for all.
About the Coalition
The American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) and its partners represent a vibrant interfaith coalition dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, promoting religious freedom, empowering women, and fostering peace through dialogue and community engagement across the United States and beyond.
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