The aim is to change negative perceptions by exposing people to the diversity and personal stories of Muslims in America today

SEATTLE – A Seattle Muslim group is inviting everyone to break bread together and share personal stories with the Muslim community, King5 reported.

The organization “Eat with Muslims” was inspired by Fathia Absie and her partner Ilyas Aden who invited people from all walks of life to the dinner table to meet Muslims face to face, share in delicious food, and learn about the rich diversity of Muslim culture.

The dinners also give Muslims a chance to share their stories with friends and strangers alike.

The non-profit organization was first started by the two Seattle Muslim residents in 2017 after the election of Donald Trump who promised to ban immigrants from entering the US.

Ever since, they held numerous dinners across King County, meeting in churches, community halls, and private homes.

American Muslims see rising Islamophobia as a major obstacle to their daily life.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, said that anti-Muslim discrimination incidents and hate crimes increased in the third quarter of 2018 by 83 and 21 percent respectively, compared with the first quarter.

During 2018, CAIR documented more than 1,000 reports of potential bias incidents. The numbers include situations involving various government agencies.