Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom Unites Muslim & Jewish Women

In Pittsburgh, it’s more important than ever to choose love over hate and come together as a community. Because when we focus on our similarities, rather than our differences, incredible things can happen—strangers become friends; neighbors become allies; and a meal for one turns into a meal for all.
That’s why The Ellis School, in partnership with Rodef Shalom Congregation, is hosting Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom Executive Director Sheryl Olitzky for a panel discussion on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. A grassroots organization, the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom fosters relationships between Muslim and Jewish women.

Dr. Tara Hyder, Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom South Hills chapter co-chair, and two Ellis student representatives from the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom Pittsburgh Teen Chapter will join Sheryl on the panel. The panel discussion will be moderated by Macon Finley, Head of The Ellis School, and focus on the importance of interfaith dialogue, friendship, and engagement with the goal of connecting women and promoting constructive conversations within the Pittsburgh community.

As co-founder of Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, Sheryl has extensive expertise in facilitating group discussions and identifying unmet needs—she teaches high school and college students about building interfaith relationships, leads trips for Muslim and Jewish women, and has written for The Huffington Post, The Interfaith Observer, and The Forward. Dr. Tara Hyder, a doctor of internal medicine at St. Clair Hospital, dedicates her time to outreach work in the area, volunteering at the South Hills Interfaith Ministry and working with refugees settled in Pittsburgh.

Based on developing trust and respect between two faith groups, the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom has grown to over 7,000 Muslim and Jewish women across the United States, Canada, and England. Dedicated to working together to end anti-Muslim and Jewish sentiments, members of the Sisterhood socialize, participate in social action projects, and learn about each other’s beliefs as they form powerful friendships and prove that they are stronger together.

People of all faiths are invited to attend the panel to learn new skills on how to become stronger advocates for Muslim and Jewish women and learn what you can do yourself to stop Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. Join the conversation to hear more about the importance of interfaith engagement and register online. Registration is free and the event is open to the public.
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