As a former journalist, I've been privileged to witness historic moments, saddened to cover too many wars, joyed by brief moments of peace, and most inspired by the "average man on the street." To me, that's the most important voice of all. Humility and respect of others are one of life's greatest achievements.
I came across something incredibly unique this week. In fact, it's one moment of my life I'll never forget. It's a story born out of the desire of two men truly wanting to make a difference. A difference, which is having an enormous and successful impact reaching "the average man on the street."
In a suburban area of Washington DC these two men are embarking on something almost unheard of. A rabbi has opened the doors of his synagogue, to the thousands of Muslims who live in his area. The imam is hosting events for the Jewish community inside his mosque.
I sat with Imam Mohammed Magid and Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk for what seemed like five minutes, this past week. Turns out we chatted for three hours. I was fascinated, and intrigued. I was fascinated to hear Rabbi Nosanchuk so simplistic in saying, "Worship is worship. My house is your house, no matter what religion you are." I knew he was right. I was intrigued to hear the imam (whose followers now alternate between his mosque, and this new place of worship) explain it this way, "It's simple for us. Stay focused on faith and what it's about. Both the Muslim and Jewish communities have so many positive things to contribute, and learn from each other. Any time you take a lead, people will always resist. But we have to focus on our clear values and encourage it globally. This is the best give we can give to society."
In bringing these two communities together, and given their remarkable success in doing so, both leaders talked about wanting to create a national movement of inter-religious understanding, dialogue, education and acceptance. They are also working with the church. These two men seemed to embody so much of what the world needs today. A better understanding of others. More tolerance, and a better understanding of coexisting. A better understanding of the "grass roots" of society. Seeing how both sides are coming to learn, trust, and understand each other can only make you wonder why we can't all do the same.
My time with Rabbi Nosancuk and Imam Magid was truly enlightening, their work so admirable, and their empowerment of two seemingly opposing faiths incredibly courageous. Their visions are just what more community's need. As I left Imam Magid said the following to me, "It is truly beyond our imagination how many people around the world have reached out to myself and the rabbi to say 'thank you' for showing us coexistence is possible." Let's prove to the world, and prove to these "average men on the street" in a leafy suburb of Washington DC that coexistence is indeed possible, and we want to join their desire in doing so.
- Nicolla Hewitt is a former producer for NBC News, who covered the Middle East for over 15 years. She is now based in New York.
