March 18, 2025
The New York Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council (MJAC New York), in partnership between AJC New York and Muslim leaders, recently hosted a powerful interfaith iftar that brought together a broad spectrum of 50 New Yorkers — including civic leaders, students, clergy, academics, and advocates. Representatives from the Mayor’s Office joined the evening and offered meaningful remarks.
Held during the holy month of Ramadan, the evening offered a meaningful opportunity to strengthen ties between communities, foster mutual understanding, and engage in substantive dialogue around shared values and collective challenges.
The program, Muslim Women in Leadership, explored how to move beyond symbolic inclusion to ensure women have real influence in interfaith and advocacy spaces; strategies for maintaining trust and solidarity during times of heightened tension; the role of faith narratives in countering extremism; and how to ensure interfaith work remains relevant to younger generations. Emphasis was placed on shifting from reactive solidarity to proactive, sustained partnership rooted in accountability and shared responsibility.
Following the discussion, Muslim guests paused for the Maghrib prayer and then came together for a shared meal. During the iftar, conversations continued informally, with participants reflecting on the themes raised during the panel and sharing personal experiences. The room was filled with a spirit of openness, curiosity, and respect, underscoring the power of gathering across lines of difference with intention and care.
MJAC New York was proud to host this timely and impactful program. In bringing together voices from across sectors and generations, the evening reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to building enduring relationships and advancing interfaith cooperation throughout New York and beyond.
The Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council brings together recognized business, political, and religious leaders in the American Jewish and American Muslim communities to advocate jointly for issues of common concern. MJAC New York serves as the regional arm of the Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council representing the five boroughs and surrounding counties.
The Council has two policy objectives: to combat the rise in hate crimes, and to promote the positive image of Muslim and Jewish citizens of the United States.
