To the Editor:Newtown Bee readers with questions about Islam, this setting provides a good opportunity for education and dialogue.CNN news article that presents a statement signed by 200 Muslim leaders that affirms they "reject this extremist narrative and assert our shared humanity and mutual respect for the sanctity of all human life…"

This letter is in response to Dale Walter's, March 6, 2017, Letter to the Editor, "Hypocrisy in Calling for Tolerance?"

I want to thank Mr Walter for stating his questions and concerns about Islam in a public forum. We in the interfaith world too frequently find ourselves preaching to the choir, and since there are probably other

One of the most often heard questions is the one Mr Walter raises, and I paraphrase here: where are the Muslim voices speaking out against religious extremists?

Well, Mr Walter, they're everywhere. And if you want to hear them, turn to a reliable source: Google.

A quick online search of "Muslim Response to Orlando" for example, returns thousands of Muslim-voice results, including the first one, a

When I hear a person say, "Where are the Muslim voices?" it makes me wonder whether that person is seeking an answer out of curiosity or implying an answer out of bias.

Mr Walter says he's struck by the "hypocrisy of [Al Hedaya mosque] Muslim leaders calling for tolerance…" but that's an incorrect account of what was said by Ms Beshtawii, a leader of the mosque. Ms Beshtawii doesn't ask for tolerance - tolerance is too low a bar when we're trying to build relationships. (Although, I have to admit, in this current political climate we might want to revisit that calculation.)

Ms Beshtawii is asking people to get to know Muslims through direct engagement. "Come in. Get to know who we are," isn't a complaint, as Mr Walter claims. It's an invitation.

Mr Walter says he's "suspicious and concerned about Muslims and their intentions." I get that.

But it takes courage to come out from behind pen and paper and legitimately seek answers. If Mr Walter really wants answers to the questions he's posed, he'll accept Ms Beshtawii's invitation.

I will not address the rest of Mr Walter's letter, which includes accusations posed as questions. These are "when did you stop beating your wife" questions, and responding lends them legitimate weight that they don't merit.

Yes, there is a conversation to be had on jihad, ISIS, and "infidels." But if we are to effectively deal with these topics, we must sit together with the intention of understanding the complexity of the matters at hand, not with an intention to attack or accuse.

Would you like to continue the conversation? Ms Beshtawii and I host Table Talks, a chance to sit and talk to a Muslim and a Jew, on Tuesdays, noon to 1:30, in the food court of the Danbury Mall.

We'll be there next Tuesday, Mr Walter. I hope you'll stop by.

Joyce Schriebman

209 Lexington Boulevard

Bethel         March 13, 2017