You’ve most likely seen the viral video ad for Amazon Prime, in which a priest and imam demonstrate genuine friendship and mutual support across faith lines.
Their story reminded us of the countless relationships ICNY has helped to build, by bringing New York’s faith leaders together for a common purpose – like the friendship between Father Liam O’Doherty and Imam Tahir Kukiqi, respectively the former pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel, on Staten Island, and spiritual leader of the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center.
The images are similar, but stories behind them are quite different. The priest and imam in the Amazon ad have evidently developed a true friendship since they first met for the film-shoot, but they initially came together to sell memberships in Amazon Prime. Father Liam and Imam Tahir, however, came together to work on social justice issues that shape the lives of their faith communities, and of all New Yorkers.
ICNY is delighted by the broad impact of the Amazon video – it made us cry too. But as we approach the holiday season, we hope you will remember the importance of interfaith ties in your own community, not just online. In addition to purchasing gifts on Amazon (or at a family-owned small business, for that matter) we hope you will support the essential work of The Interfaith Center of New York.
Your tax-deductible contribution to ICNY helps us make interfaith friendship a reality for all New Yorkers.
Or mail a check made out to The Interfaith Center of New York to:
The Interfaith Center of New York
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 540
New York, NY 10115
