An Israeli daily reported that the Muslim community reached into its pockets to save a synagogue in Bradford, Britain. A leaky roof brought together the city’s Jewish and Muslim communities. Bradford’s only synagogue is located just 500 meters from the city’s main mosque. Following the news, the local Muslim community started a donation campaign for repairs.

The 87-year-old chairman of the synagogue said, “It was true mitzvah good deed — and a gift from the Muslim community.” Zulfi Karim, secretary of the Bradford Council of Mosques, got the news through a local Pakistani restaurant, which is popular with the synagogue’s congregants for a Saturday lunch.

Within a few days, the Muslim community raised 2,000 pounds for repairs. “We have so much in common. We both have a tradition of helping each other,” said Karim, one of the donors. Now, plans are afoot for more community building exercises.

To kick off the annual Bradford World Curry Festival in June, special interfaith meals are being arranged at the mosque, the synagogue and at St. Paul church. “Food brings people together,” said Karim, who is currently consulting with local kosher and halal chefs about cross-cultural meals. The local communities say that their story represents a small window of hope for the rest of the world. No doubt, Bradford is a role model for others to coexist peacefully, wherever they are and whatever faith they follow. Well done, Bradford! — S.H. Moulana, Riyadh