Interfaith build unites 3 faiths

In response to the letter from Vernon Neece stating that Habitat for Humanity has participated in inter-faith builds in the past with the Jewish community, I would like to affirm he is indeed correct.

Our Jewish synagogues have joined a variety of other Christian churches as well as the Unitarian-Universalist congregation to sponsor Habitat houses over the years. The difference in our current build is that participants representing the three major faith groups of our world have come together for the first time in Durham to both sponsor and build a home for a deserving family.

While Habitat has long worked with many Muslim families, building houses with them, this is the first time members of their faith community have stepped forward to partner with Habitat and their Jewish and Christian brothers and sisters. The key word for Habitat is partnership, and this build exemplifies the ideal we hold in bringing together people who might normally focus on their differences, to focus on what we all hold as indisputable -- the desire to help those less fortunate, to serve God by serving our fellow man.

When we work alongside people who might on the surface appear different from us, barriers are broken down, and an opportunity for respect, understanding and love is created. The model of bringing together Muslims, Jews and Christians is one we hope will be replicated many times around the world until we all learn that peace and cooperation are the infinitely better choice than suspicion and mistrust.

MIGUEL RUBIERA

Executive Director

Habitat for Humanity of Durham

Diet commended

As a fellow pioneer in the battle against obesity, I congratulate the Rice Diet and its staff as they celebrate the program's 70th anniversary. I was pleased to read the October 25th article, "Rice Diet: 70 years of weight loss," and wholeheartedly agree that sensible, well-rounded programs are essential for long-term weight loss. The success of programs like the Rice Diet, Duke Diet & Fitness Center and Structure House confirms Durham's reputation as the "Diet Capital of the World."

I commend Dr. Robert and Kitty Rosati for their dedication to tackling this epidemic of obesity in our country and local community.

GERARD J. MUSANTE

Durham

The writer is the founder of Structure House Weight Management

Momentarily?

Can someone tell me how you are supposed to get in touch with a department at City Hall? According to all information I can find, 560-1200 is the number to call for all departments. When you call this number your call is answered by a recording and told that "a customer service agent will be with you momentarily."

However, no one comes on the line after the caller holds on for several minutes. I am not sure what their idea of "momentarily" means.

J. C. EVANS

Durham