Source: The Buffalo News

On October 6, 2000, The Buffalo News reported that in an event "described as the first such meeting in recent memory, local Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders came together under one roof Thursday to denounce the violence that has erupted in Jerusalem and has threatened hopes of reviving the Middle East peace process. The local leaders signed a statement pleading for President Clinton to redouble his efforts to bring the parties back to the negotiating table so this conflict can be settled with conversation and not confrontation. 'We mourn the latest victims of this conflict,' said Dr. Khalid J. Qazi, state coordinator for the American Muslim Council, reading from the statement. 'Neither our faiths nor our Scriptures teach us hatred and violence. Time has come to say enough is enough. We hope and pray that these colossal losses of life unite forces of reason for a just and lasting peace for the peoples of Israel and Palestine.' But the 45-minute news conference, held at the Islamic Center on Heim Road in Amherst, also was an appeal for Western New Yorkers on all sides of this emotional issue to get to know one another and work together as Americans, despite differing opinions. 'We differ on many things,' said Rabbi Michael L. Feshbach, of the Buffalo Board of Rabbis and Temple Beth Am in Amherst. 'But, my friends, we agree with the heart of this statement, with its essence, and we agree with its spirit. We are united in anguish, and we share the prayer for peace.'"