To the Editor:

Saturday night, June 17, I had the great pleasure of attending "Sharing Ramadan" at Edmond Town Hall. The Alexandria Room was standing room only as Muslims, Jews, Christians, Baha'is, and people of other faiths (or no faith) gathered to celebrate and/or learn about Ramadan. Men, women, youth, and children from the Al Hedaya Islamic Center spoke, sang, and led prayers followed by a very interesting panel of experts who spoke to a variety of topics pertaining to Islam in our world today.

But what really knocked my socks off was the feast! Yes, the food was delicious and plentiful; however it was the kindness, hospitality, and generosity that our local Muslim community extended to each person in attendance that was the real gift. I returned home with a tummy full of good food and a heart full of love for these neighbors of ours.

Fellow Newtowners, I want you to know that our Muslim community is reaching out to us. Our differences are minuscule in comparison to our commonalities. In this time of widespread Islamophobia, it is my heartfelt belief that the members of Al Hedaya are making our town a better place by encouraging discussion, fellowship, and friendship. Please consider accepting any future invitations of fellowship or friendship by our Muslim brothers and sisters that may come our way in the future. You will be enriched if you do.

Wendy Leon-Gambetta

19 Sawmill Ridge Road, Newtown         June 21, 2017