CAIRO, December 20, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – An American Muslim community center has recently invited a group of Christian and Jewish compatriots over an interfaith meal to clear stereotypes, create a better understanding and look for common grounds, a local American newspaper reported Monday, December 19.

"People have misconceptions of us," Wasi Khan, an organizer, told Sun-Sentinel, the major daily newspaper of Broward and South Palm Beach counties, Florida.

"They don't know who we are. They don't know how we pray and what we do at our services. We have to change that."

The interfaith meal, organized by the Muslim Community of Palm Beach County center, drew several hundred people.

The organizers gave the visitors a tour of the center's mosque, introduced them to their leaders and explained the principles of Islam.

Khan regretted that ever since the 9/11 attacks "people are afraid of us".

Although many of the guests were highly educated and already knew much about Islam, they said face-to-face discussions were essential to break down hostilities and find common grounds.

"If people of all religions got to know each other, hopefully there will be understanding," said Al Wein, of Boynton Beach.

Sitting across from a candlelit table, Afsar Khan, a Muslim woman from of West Palm Beach, and Janet Bleshman, a Jewish woman from Boynton Beach, discovered they had many things in common.

"We are so similar," Bleshman told Khan as they shared a meal of curry chicken, mixed vegetables and rice.

"Yes, we are all children of Abraham," Khan agreed.

The interfaith meal was the latest exchange between Muslims, Jews and Christians that started more than five years ago to erase stereotypes and develop friendships.

Last spring, a group from the Muslim Community center went to a synagogue west of Boynton Beach to celebrate a Passover meal and learn about Judaism.

More exchanges are planned next year.

Abdelali Zraouli, 14, of West Palm Beach, said the get-together idea was very good.