Muslims, Non-Muslims Break Bread Together in Sunset Park

In the spirit of being good neighbors and unity with Muslims that feel increasingly isolated due to heightened tensions, about 65 Muslims and non-Muslims broke bread last night at the Muslim Community Center, 5218 3rd Avenue in Sunset Park.

City Council Member Carlos Menchaca (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) helped organize and attended the event along with the organizations Action Corps NYC, Love Trumps Hate Sunset Park Muslims Giving Back.

“This community dinner provides a wonderful platform and opportunity for three separate groups to come together for a common purpose,” said Love Trumps Hate Sunset Park Founder Shanna Castillo. “It is important to express to our Muslim neighbors that they are not alone and that they are welcomed and respected in our community. I am encouraged that this will be the first of many community bonding experiences.”

Some of the community members that participated in last night’s neighborly dinner showing solidarity between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Love Trumps Hate Sunset Park is a grassroots neighborhood group that formed immediately after the 2016 election. The group’s work involves bridging the gap between new neighbors and undocumented families.

Similarly, Action Corps NYC is a volunteer-led initiative. The group campaigns for global human rights and access to basic resources.

“And that includes our friends and neighbors right here in NYC,” said Action Corps NYC Co-Founder Isaac Evans-Frantz. “Action Corps organizers and friends include Muslims. Muslim groups played a pivotal role in our group’s International Women’s Day event several years ago, and ever since have been kind and committed allies.”

Muslims Giving Back Founder and Director Mohamed Bahe said it is an honor to have such amazing allies and friends who are not afraid to break down walls to get to know their neighbors.

“It is extremely empowering toward our community to see such beautiful people willing to reach out and help towards our well-being. It shows us that love does indeed trump all forms of hate,” Bahe said.

Muslims Giving Back is a registered non-profit charity based in Brooklyn. The organization aims to prevent hunger and provide food to those who are food insecure, through a food pantry, soup kitchen, street outreach, and other social services. A large portion of the people who use these resources are Latino immigrants, many of whom are not Muslim.

Menchca, besides greeting everybody with words of unity proved to be quite the raffle ticket picker and raffle prize distributor.

“This dinner shows Brooklyn’s true spirit of unity. Muslims and non-Muslims sharing a meal is an example of how our community responds to the divisive politics of our day,” said Menchaca.