Rabbi Marc Schneier, the president and founder of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, will serve as honorary grand marshal on Sunday’s Muslim Day Parade in New York City. According to parade organizers, Rabbi Schneier was chosen in recognition of his pioneering work in the field of Muslim-Jewish relations in the United States and around the world.
Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports that it marks the first time in the parade’s 32-year history that a Jewish leader has been chosen to lead the Muslim Day Parade. “Having pioneered the field of Muslim-Jewish relations over a decade ago, Rabbi Schneier has demonstrated his dedication and devotion to the American Muslim community,” states Imam Shamsi Ali who is president of the Muslim Foundation of America and is also the parade’s organizer.
“This year’s parade is more important than ever before due to the climate we live in,” continues Imam Ali. “Racism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, bigotry and hate are on the rise in our country.”
