Islamic interfaith gathering hopes to dispel stereotypes

As the sun set last night, about 75 Christians, Jews, and Muslims gathered at Boston University to discuss ways to dispel the stereotypes that have arisen following the Sept. 11 attacks seven years ago.

The American Islamic Congress, a civil rights nonprofit organization founded after Sept. 11, organized an interfaith iftar - the breaking of the fast after sunset during the Islamic month of Ramadan - to remember the tragic event in 2001. The evening benefited Barakat, a local charity that helps educate young women in Afghanistan.

"I hope this helps people to realize that Muslims are as fragmented as Christians," said Barry D. Hoffman, consulate general of Pakistan. "Nine-eleven was a terrible tragedy for all Americans . . . a number of Muslims were killed in 9/11."

The AIC was founded in reaction to the Sept. 11 terror attacks, in an effort to offer Muslim Americans a civic organization - much like the American Jewish Committee or a church community, AIC cofounder Zainab Al-Suwaij said.

"I remember seven years ago when I heard the news," Suwaij said as the audience feasted on dates, hummus, and grape leaves. "This attack took me back to the terror I left behind me in Iraq. . . . I had to do something, to make a change."

Robert Leikind, American Jewish Committee executive director, spoke about the "bigotry Muslims have been dealing with since 9/11" and the importance of uniting to fight against those prejudices.

BU students said such interfaith forums are crucial, especially after the terrorism that brought about bigotry against some Muslims in America.

"It's very important to dispel the myths since 9/11," said Arsla Jawaid, a junior who is vice president of Project Nur, the student organization that coordinated last night's event with the AIC.