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Mosques, synagogues twin

November 15, 2009

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- One hundred mosques and synagogues throughout North America and Europe twinned with each other over the weekend.

The second annual such event involves meetings between two local congregations -- a mosque and a synagogue -- aimed at launching joint activities.

The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, which initiated the event, recommends working in one of four areas: saving the environment, protecting immigrants, combating anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and fighting poverty. Also participating are the Islamic Society of North America, the Muslim Public Affairs Council, the World Jewish Congress and the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims.

"For generations there have been a series of misunderstandings by Jews and Muslims on what the other religious community believes and practices," said Rabbi Marc Schneier, the foundation's president. "These misperceptions and other societal and political factors have unfortunately led to tensions between our two communities."

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