Report on the Jewish-Muslim Peace Picnic, July 25, 2004
July 26, 2004
On July 25th, a gloriously sunny Sunday, a special event took place at Cates Park in Deep Cove. It was the third event that was inspired specifically to build understanding and goodwill between the Jewish and Muslim communities in Vancouver. In response to previous goodwill gestures, Imam Fode Drome of Masjid ul Haqq extended an invitation to Ahavat Olam to be their guests at a picnic. It was arranged to meet at the mosque first, where guests could be provided with transportation to the picnic site.
First, however, we were given a tour of the modest East Vancouver mosque, which proved to be a very educational experience. Rabbi David Mivasair pointed out several examples of how similar the Arabic language is to the Hebrew language. Salaam and Shalom are not the only similarities; just one example of very close parallels throughout both languages. Photographs of Mecca and Medina led to discussion on historical origins of the Muslim faith and its close ties to the origins of Judaism. It was especially interesting to discover how deeply the roots of both faiths go back to Abraham as founding patriarch. From the upstairs prayer room we were led downstairs for tea, which was served with strawberries and cookies and where guests were each given as a gift a copy of the Koran.
Our party of about 8 Jews and 8 Muslims then drove in a small caravan down the Dollarton highway and were met by a paarty of about 20 more Muslims already gathered at the park. Picnic blankets were spread out on the grass, some in the sun and others well shaded by abundant green trees, all very welcoming. There was fresh barbecue, delicious lamb curry, a vegetarian bean dish, chapatis, salad, watermelon, and assorted cookies and cold drinks, all in abundance. There was a playground right there for the children, and a rocky beach close by for even more beauty.
It may have been no more than a gesture, but it was a generous gracious gesture, and much appreciated. I, for one, felt honoured to participate in such a positive event, and look forward to participating in the Muslim and Jewish women’s choir that we are beginning August 29th. We are indeed privileged to be able, in our own small humble way, to reach out in goodwill toward creating a more loving and peaceful world by BEING the love and peace that we seek. Thank you.
Laura Krown