A remarkable thing happened to me on Saturday. In the mid-afternoon I received a surprise phone call from Osama Rashid, who introduced himself as the vice president of the Islamic Society of Woodbury, Minnesota. He had come across my “9-11-11” web site and wanted to invite me to their society’s Eid celebration and dinner that very evening.

Well, I went, and was warmly greeted by Osama, who introduced me to the members of ISW’s board and many other members of their community. After an excellent dinner of Indian cuisine, I spoke briefly to the crowd about my efforts to build bridges between Muslims and non-Muslims and the two 9/11/11 events in the Twin Cities that I’ve had a hand in organizing.

At the end of the evening, Osama presented me with a very generous contribution in support of my work on the web site which he had gathered from the members present at the Eid. It was a wonderful affirmation that my work, although very small in the face of the huge amount of anti-Muslim sentiment in the world, is worthwhile and is making a difference.

Thank you, Osama, and all of the members of the Islamic Society of Woodbury.