Interfaith harmony between metro Detroit Jews, Muslims during tough times

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(Detroit Free Press) Jews and Muslims across metro Detroit are forging close ties in a series of events to promote harmony between the two groups amid growing tensions in the Middle East this week as fighting escalates between Israel and Gaza.

Jews are visiting mosques and Muslims are visiting synagogues in an effort organized by the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, a New York City-based group that's behind similar events this weekend across the U.S.

On Friday, about 15 Jews visited the Muslim Center of Detroit during services. More events are planned today at local community and religious institutions in Dearborn Heights, Detroit, West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills.

"We have to relate to each other beyond politics and religion," Nick Mazzola, 44, a Jewish resident of Riverview, said after the Muslim services. "We're fellow human beings sharing a common space. It's about understanding other people ... metro Detroit is truly a global world now." .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.freep.com/article/20121117/NEWS05/311170048/Interfaith-harmony-between-metro-Detroit-Jews-Muslims-during-tough-times?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p