In an age when the world is dividing itself based upon differences, we must rely upon the inherent good nature and insight of communities like ours to lead the way towards a more united and peaceful world. This requires effort from all involved parties and an unrelenting will to achieve harmony.

A recent study reported Thursday in the Daily found that hate crimes directed toward Muslims and Arabs have increased dramatically since Sept. 11. That this kind of stereotyping and anger toward a particular group exists is disturbing.

The integrity of our diverse campus community has been tested endlessly. Many people have begun afresh to question the feasibility of truly cohesive and unified community. The University has long been a pillar of diversity which takes its beliefs to court every day and fights to be able to have one of the most inclusive and representational populations anywhere in the country.

An event such as the Nov. 14 Ramadan feast is an excellent example of how students at the University can come together in understanding with a desire to learn from each other. Ramadan is the holiest of months on the Islamic calendar and is a period of intense spirituality for Muslims. During the month, religious Muslims choose not to eat or drink between sunup and sundown. Each night, the fast is traditionally broken as a community. The Nov. 14 dinner celebrated one such breaking of fast and was organized by three student groups, The Muslim Students Association, the Pakistani Students Association, the Arab Student Association and the Muslim Graduate Students Association. These groups reached out to the community to share their traditions.

Invited guest speakers included a Rabbi affiliated with Hillel and a Christian minister. Ibrahim Ozdemir, a speaker who traveled from a seminary in Connecticut, spoke to the inherent charity involved with the observance of Ramadan. He defined Ramadan as being the time most appropriate for reaching out to people of all creeds and skin color. By fasting, Muslims are able to empathize with those who are less fortunate.

For Muslims and non-Muslims alike to share this experience is truly an exceptional testament to the decency and openness that is encouraged in our community. However, this feast was only one event. For true benefit to come, such events must occur often and come from all sides of the issues. If events like this occurred more often and the channels of communication were kept open, members of the University community would run a far lesser risk of being ignorant towards those who are different.

It should be noted however, that the onus of building understanding and respect should not be the burden of minority groups alone. Everyone should work to erase hatred, not those just on the receiving end and everyone has the decency to deal with current issues in a civilized and constructive manner. Consider this a call to people of all faiths, beliefs, races and ethnicities to take the example set by this occasion and continue on in its spirit.