BOSTON, Aug. 22, 2011 – This Wednesday, the American Islamic Congress (AIC) New England Council and American Jewish Committee (AJC) ACCESS young leaders will host an Iftar (Ramadan break-fast) signaling the coming together of Boston communities that are often isolated from one another.

“Our communities are often seen as divided,” said Nasser Weddady, AIC Civil Rights Director. “This Iftar unites next-generation leaders around shared values of civic responsibility, partnership and dialogue.”

Part of the proceeds from the Iftar meal will go to humanitarian relief efforts to help the people of Somalia who are caught in the grip of a devastating famine and drought.

 “AJC and AIC are committed to advancing pluralism and human rights around the world,” said Rob Leikind, AJC Boston Director. “It’s not everyday that Muslims and Jews sit at the same table and work together for an important cause.”

 AJC ACCESS Boston is the young leadership division of American Jewish Committee. In Boston, AJC advances its work through diplomatic initiatives that are carried out in close collaboration with leaders of diverse ethnic and religious communities, civic and educational leaders, and representatives from nations around the world.

 AIC is a civil rights organization promoting tolerance and the exchange of ideas among Muslims and between other peoples. AIC’s New England Council promotes pluralistic Muslim identity and interfaith understanding here in New England.

 When: Wednesday, August 24th, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Where: Goethe Institute of Boston (170 Beacon St., Boston, MA)

AMERICAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS

The American Islamic Congress (AIC) is a non-religious organization dedicated to building interfaith and interethnic understanding and to supporting human and civil rights throughout the Muslim Word. As American Muslims thriving amidst the U.S.’s open society, AIC aims to offer a positive example for the global Muslim community. We advocate for women’s equality, free expression, and nonviolence – making no apologies for terrorism, which primarily claims Muslim lives.

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