Jewish-Muslim Alliance at Pierrefonds High School

MONTREAL – An alliance was formed between Jewish and Muslim students at Riverdale High School on Tuesday.

While the gathering focused on the Muslim festival of sacrifice, it also allowed students from diverse backgrounds to share their stories and find common ground.

Imam Muhammad Nasir Qadri started the celebration by explaining the story behind Eid, and the importance of sacrifice.

The Muslim leader encouraged students to make sacrifices in their own lives to achieve peace in their own circle of friends.

“I think this is really important especially in high schools with sometimes the fighting the bullying and the sometimes shootings,” said Qadri.

Rabbi David Lazar, who helped organize the gathering, shared different religious stories of sacrifice with a similar message of peace and tolerance.

“I think it’s beautiful that they have a gathering of Jews and Muslims together having a good connection and having dialogue,” said Lazar.

Riverdale High School is home to more than 600 students from 55 different nationalities.

Many who attended the inter-faith celebration are convinced a little education could go a long way in breaking cultural barriers.

“I think it’s important to learn about different religions like learning about Eid and learning about Jewish religions and traditions different from your own,” said Riverdale High School student Skylar Keogh.

Her classmate Ali Chaundry added, “I think all religions should get together and we shouldn’t fight.”

And many wish the lessons would translate on a larger scale.

“Without trying to be political I think that any form of education is an opportunity to see what the wider reality is out there,” said Riverdale’s principal Roger Rampersad.

While sharing kosher pizza and samosas, students and staff couldn’t help but bash Bill 60, also known as the charter of values.

“Honestly, I think Pauline Marois is being disrespectful to all religions, because if someone wants to wear something on their head or their chest, or whatever, they should be allowed,” said grade eight student, Spencer Somuah.

More lunchtime meetings like these will be held in the near future, in the hope that all Quebecers will learn from this model and see that these types of “get along gatherings” do wonders in building bridges and bringing people together.

“Continue in peace, happiness, harmony and only good things, God Bless,” said Rabbi Lazar as he thanked everyone for coming.