Eye-opening presentation of life as Muslim-American

Dear Editor, I was so fortunate to attend Dr. Reza Mansoor’s presentation at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation on May 20 that drew a widely diverse audience of about 100 people.

Mansoor explained the principles of his Islamic faith, emphasizing historic parallels between Christianity and Judaism, and dispelled widespread misconceptions about the role of women, importance of human rights, and such practices as sharia. Using examples from his early life in Sri Lanka to his medical training in the United States, he helped me (a nonMuslim) get a vivid picture of what a Muslim-American experiences in my country. Those challenges prompted him to write “Stigmatized: From 9/11 to Trump and Beyond — An American Muslim Journey,” a powerful plea for religious tolerance and multicultural cooperation.

I learned about this event as a member of Jewish Voice for Peace (Hudson Valley), which dedicates its efforts to fight Islamophobia. Other co-sponsors included the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, Holy Cross/Santa Cruz Episcopal Church, Christ the King Episcopal Church of Stone Ridge, Woodstock Reformed Church, and the Tibetan Buddhist monastery Karma Triyana Dharmachakra.

It was truly an interfaith coalition and a model for our region and our times. Lisa Mullenneaux

West Hurley, N.Y.