Muslim and Jewish Women Deliver Ethnic Treats to First Responders

Frustrated with the hostility between Jews and Muslims in the U.S., Scarsdale's Lori Amer decided to do more than opine. After reading in the New York Times about the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, a group that brings Jewish and Muslim women together, she got the idea to start a local chapter here in Westchester. Amer, who is Jewish, reached out to Rabia Mian, the Muslim mother of one of Amers' sons friends and suggested forming the chapter. Mobilized by the Muslim travel ban, Rabia recruited seven of her Muslim friends to join them. One of the other mothers happened to teach Lori's first grade daughter's class about Ramadan. Together they formed Westchester Chapter 3 of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom. There are now 16 women in the Westchester chapter with six from Scarsdale. They join a national network that was recently featured on the Today Show.

On December 5, the membership of the Westchester Chapter delivered homemade baked goods to police and firefighters in Scarsdale, Rye, Pelham, White Plains, Bronxville, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck and Hastings. They wrapped packages of rugelach and cookies baked by the Jewish women with samosas, a savory Pakistani delicacy, prepared by the Muslim members. The goodies were a way to thank local police and firefighters at holiday time, and also to demonstrate through their group, that those who are different from each other can find common ground.

"I think many of us are feeling the impact of the divisiveness in the country and world, so coming together as sisters to share our commonalities makes us feel united in a goal," said chapter co-leader Lori Amer.

The Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom (SOSS) is a four-year-old national organization comprised of women from the two minority religions to form friendships and together perform acts of charity and kindness. Members believe that their joint acts of goodwill and education can counteract the hatred and prejudice that has proliferated across the country.