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 Heartening Ecumenical Message

I applaud publication of "At interfaith seder, only the herbs were bitter" (Page A-1, April 2), accompanied by the beautiful picture of the Muslim, Christian and Jewish celebrants. It is heartening to see the media reporting the good deeds and the constructive work of community leaders. Jews, Muslims and Christians do indeed share lots of values, and they all worship one God.

I was really touched by the decision of Rabbi David Senter, Congregation Beth Shalom's leader, to decorate the Pompton Lakes synagogue's social hall in plain white out of respect for the Muslims rather than the usual blue and white color scheme of the Israeli national flag.

Reading your article gave me lots of hope. If Americans who call themselves Jewish, Christian or Muslim can work together on mutual issues and show respect to each other while acknowledging their differences, maybe one day they will be able to transfer this mentality over to the Middle East.

My message to Senter, the Rev. John Rollins of Christ Episcopal Church in Pompton Lakes and Imam Mohammad Qatanani: "God bless you and grant your noble message and goal a success."

Hesham Mahmoud

Rutherford, April 2

The writer is media chairman of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee's New Jersey chapter.