I believe that those who desire peace for all Israelis and all Palestinians are in the majority--but they have to speak up. They can no longer remain a silent and ineffective majority and continue to let their crazies dominate the conversation and run the show.

I harbor no delusions of literature solving political problems. The truth is much more complicated. But literature illuminates complexity.

There is no more urgent issue for individuals and communities of faith at this moment than to find our way to genuine cooperation, tolerance and mutual respect. The moderates of all faiths have to talk often and well, lest the extremists carry the day.

Assistant Imam Mohammad Shamsi Ali's appointment to the Islamic Cultural Center, the first building constructed as a mosque in New York City, only reinforced his commitment to bridge different religious communities.