Restoring Community: Building Understanding

Story: At a time when many people lament divisions in society, some interfaith organizations are showing that seemingly disparate religious groups can bring people together and build community. In this episode of our “Restoring Community” season, we speak to Pew Research Center’s Alan Cooperman about Americans’ generally positive views on religious faiths. We also hear from members of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, including its executive director, Tahija Vikalo. The organization, with chapters throughout the U.S., encourages Muslim and Jewish women to learn more about each other’s lives and religion—building understanding and community.

Related Resources:

• Americans Feel More Positive Than Negative About Jews, Mainline Protestants, Catholics
• Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom
• In U.S., Familiarity With Religious Groups Is Associated With Warmer Feelings Toward Them
• Jewish, Muslim Women Come Together in Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom
• Mideast Violence Tests the Relationships That Interfaith Groups Work Hard to Build