Tragedy and Opportunity

Along with Akbar Ahmed, you have just won $100,000 for your efforts. What effect does that recognition have?

What the recognition brings is visibility for our efforts, and [it] will inspire more people to engage in a positive and respectful dialogue. That will hopefully lead to a change of worldview on both sides of the East-West divide. Both sides need to change how they view the context of their conflict: Muslims must recognize that the West is not engaging in an anti-Muslim war, and the West must recognize the central role that religion plays in Muslim life.

How has this summer of heightened conflict in the Middle East impacted your mission?

It has made it more difficult, and thus, more urgent.

You’re a secular Jew. Do you believe in God?

No.