By Mark Footerman

Intolerance is the result of festered ignorance. If we open our minds to new cultures, faiths, ideas, and ways of life, we grow closer.

This week, I was honored to join Kashif Chaudhry in his place of worship to participate in the traditional Iftar—the evening meal that breaks the Ramadan fast each day.

Kashif is a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a lesser known sect of Islam that is often overshadowed by the more common Sunni and Shia sects. But Ahmadi Muslims emphasize the moral system of Islam and seek to return the faith to its purist form. As the most organized sect of Islam, Ahmadi Muslims take pride in their ability to change the world for the better through dialogue and advocacy. They condemn terrorism, encourage religious freedom, and treat all humans with dignity and respect.

As a Jewish veteran, I had many reasons to feel uncomfortable with Islam. The Army taught me that our enemy in America’s longest war was Islamic jihad. Some Jews in my synagogue growing up taught me that Islamic extremists wanted to annihilate Israel and all the Jews in it. And while I knew that the community I was joining tonight was not an extremist sect, and obviously not a part of any terrorist movement, I was nervous that maybe being Jewish or a veteran would put a bad taste in their mouths—especially during the holiest time of their year.

What I found was the exact opposite. I experienced warm hospitality, delicious food, and enlightening conversation. I was welcomed with open arms and I reciprocated with an eagerness to soak up as much knowledge about this beautiful faith as possible.

Islam is not about violence. Jihad is an inner struggle against inner sins. Extremist groups have defiled Islam—ruined it for millions of Muslims who love their fellow mankind. Thank you to the 29/29 Project, presented by Mansoor Shams from Veterans for American Ideals for this opportunity. Thank you to Scott Cooper for bringing it to my attention. And most importantly, thank you to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA for so warmly hosting me during one of your most special times. It was an experience I will never forget.

Mark Footerman is a veteran of the Army National Guard and currently serves as a Hill Vets Legislative Fellow in the Capitol Hill office of Rep. Vicente Gonzalez.