Something old, something new, something neither

Last update - 09:28 17/09/2009
Virginia synagogue doubles as mosque for Ramadan
By The Associated Press

On Friday afternoons, the people coming to pray at this building take off their shoes, unfurl rugs to kneel on and pray in Arabic. The ones that come Friday evenings put on yarmulkes, light candles and pray in Hebrew.

The building is a synagogue on a tree-lined street in suburban Virginia, but for the past few weeks - during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan - it has also been doubling daily as a mosque. Synagogue members suggested their building after hearing the Muslim congregation was looking to rent a place for overflow crowds.

"...this State of Israel ...this flawed political entity that speaks in the name of God...".

"People look to the Jewish-Muslim relationship as "conflict," said All Dulles Area Muslim Society Imam Mohamed Magid, saying it's usually disputes between the two groups in the Middle East that make news. "Here is a story that shatters the stereotype."

Magid, who grew up in Sudan, said he did not meet someone who was Jewish until after he had moved to the U.S. in his 20s, and he never imagined having such a close relationship with a rabbi. But he said the relationship with the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation has affected him and his members. Beyond being tolerant, the synagogue and its members have been welcoming.

He said one member of the mosque told him, "Next time I see a Jewish person I will not look at them the same."

Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk, who leads the Reform congregation of about 500 families, said the relationship works both ways.

More at the the Haaretz, Jerusalem.

# Video:
Jews United Against Zionism, United Nations, January 4, 2009

Protest organized by Neturei Karta International at UN headquarters in New York. Rabbi Weiss, who heads the group, talks with TRNS. www.viddler.com

Malaysia's salient symbols

I/O S A
(Internal Security Act/
Official Secrets Act)





M A C C
(Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission)

Hopes on a string

IN the wake of the PKFZ Cabinet Papers on the complicit position of all the BN government political leaders, we ponder on Malaysia's future just some weeks after Merdeka celebrations and ... in the midst of 'Idul Fitri merrymaking after the Ramadhan Fasting.

The President of the United States of America, Barak Obama has wished all Muslims worldwide 'Idil Season Greetings, a first in history and which we hope will not be the last among the community of nations beholden to the search for peace and understanding. The gesture is clear and inspiring when one considers how our world has taken a barrage of beatings prompted by pride and prejudice. The wastes that's now threatening wealth and health of our earth. Despite our misgivings of past tragedies there emerges an incessantly unmistaken irrepressible urge to change and make things better.

It is surely the same thoughts and feeling lingering in the minds of Malaysians at the terrible impasse in our search and journey for change. We are not alone. We have ourselves and other like-minded world citizens as the world attempts to wrench itself off the well-trodden muddles of the last millenium.

There'll be the usual pitfalls to steer away from but we will find it. We've tasted the bits and pieces of what we can more build. And we will get there.