Norman Grindley, Staff Photographer
Past president and historian of the Congregation of Israelites in Jamaica, Ainsley Henriques, right, and leader of the Nation of Islam, Minister Louis Farrakhan, in a gesture of friendship and unity, yesterday at the Jewish synagogue on Duke Street in Kingston.Glenda Anderson, Staff Reporter
As if in prophetic significance, the sand-covered floor of the Jewish synagogue in Kingston was yesterday the site for what has been described as a "new beginning" and the "opportunity to forge a holy alliance" between Muslim and Jewish communities.
"History is what the vast majority of people have recited to them, but to be present when history is being made is rare. This doing is one such," Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan declared after he joined local Jewish synagogue president, Tony Lindo, and other representatives in worship in a quiet ceremony rich with emotion, symbols and rituals.
It was Minister Farrakhan's first visit to a synagogue and the first time that the 90-year-old local synagogue was entertaining a Muslim leader.
"It took courage to do what has been done today. From this holy place a new beginning can emerge," he said.
Minister Farrakhan expressed hope that the move would be repeated in the United States and other countries. He called on the Jamaican Government to openly applaud the actions of the leaders.
In a merging sea of headwear representing both groups, Minister Farrakhan and his entourage met and greeted members of the Jewish synagogue.
Earlier in the service, acting synagogue director, Stephen Henriques, made an impassioned plea to the congregation to prepare for the coming Passover in peace.
"Let us clear out the past, clear out anger from our hearts and reach out for the light which God provides always. In this time it is even greater than before," he said.
In an hour-long discussion segment Minister Farrakhan answered questions put to him by Mr. Lindo about what he considered 'troubling' recent reports in the media. The questions related to reports of his blaming the Jews and Jewish people for the enslavement of blacks and other peoples, his reported expressions of anti-Semitism, and a call for measures or solutions to aid a relationship of understanding between the two groups.
In response Minster Farrakhan explained that he had been called the "Black Hitler" and accused of anti-Semitism by some Jewish leaders because of his association with the Jesse Jackson presidential campaign at a time when Jackson was thought by Jewish leaders to harbour anti-Semitic sentiments. "For nearly 18 years I have tried to resolve the conflict between us and the Jewish community in America. Never at any time have I ever wanted to see done to the Jewish people what Hitler did to the Jews. I harbour no evil or ill will towards the Jewish community."
The meeting closed with a symbolic exchange of gifts between the two communities, as Mr. Lindo presented Minister Farrakhan with copies of the Jewish prayer book, while historian and past president, Ainsley Henriques, presented him with a copy of a history of the Portuguese Jews in Jamaica spanning 370 years. He also presented a personal gift of a copy of prose and poetry of which he is the author. Minister Farrakhan presented an autographed copy of the Koran to Mr. Lindo, who is also leader of the Congregation of Israelites in Jamaicas.
The meeting was included in Mr. Farrahan's 10-day visit to the island.
