How Participating in a Muslim-Jewish Retreat Helped Me Grapple With Trump's Election
In March 2015, Abdullah Antepli, an atypical Imam from North Carolina, approached me with an invitation to part take in the Muslim Leadership Initiative (MLI) trip to Jerusalem, a program sponsored by the Shalom Hartman Institute. I was attracted by the idea of traveling to a region whose contentiousness lies at the center of so many conversations and debates amongst friends and foes alike. I was also drawn to Jerusalem, which is known for its great hummus and the Dome of the Rock. After all, what else could an American Muslim want other than a sacred place and great Middle Eastern food? So after giving it some thought, I accepted the invitation to study Judaism in Israel.
During the 18 months of the fellowship, I experienced much controversy and opposition from within my own community. I repeatedly second-guessed my involvement in the program and asked for reassurances from my fellow MLIers. And yet, as a result of my studies with MLI, I gained an understanding of how Jews relate to religion, peoplehood, and Israel. I grew determined to stay engaged with other MLI alumni, with that Imam, with Shalom Hartman, and to continue exploring opportunities to build bridges with people from outside my own community.