With so much in the media about the Israel-Palestinian conflict and Jews and Muslims “not getting on”, it’s always heartwarming to see moments of friendship, love and solidarity across the divides of conflict, religion and ethnicity.
Now, for some people, these friendships and collaborations may seem entirely normal. For them, whether we’re talking about friendships and relations between Jews and Muslims, Jews and Arabs or Jewish Israelis and Palestinians (Christian or Muslim), it may seem a bit odd to celebrate these friendships. I know, as I’ve witnessed this for myself!
Sure, many of us have friends of other faith backgrounds and not everyone takes “a side” in the conflict. However, we’re not seeing or hearing enough positivty!
For example, did you know that around 21% of Israeli citizens are Arab? Yep!
Did you also know that in both the Muslim and Jewish communities outside of the Middle East, there’s prejudice towards each other (antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate)?
Did you also know that there’s a host of organisations and activists both inside and outside of the Middle East, striving for reconciliation, peace and solidarity?
It’s fantastic stuff. And with the challenges ahead of us, and conflict dominating the media, we need to highlight the positive stories out there, the friendships, the acts of solidarity and the love!
So, with that in mind, here are 13 great examples of Jewish-Muslim – Jewish-Arab solidarity that I’m sure will put a smile on your face!
1. Jewish and Muslim colleagues take a prayer break amidst the coronavirus pandemic
Muslim and Jewish medical co-workers in Israel praying together. Whether facing Jerusalem or Mecca, they are praying to the same God. https://t.co/LjKR5eJmma pic.twitter.com/IU4rNgTs4o
— Avi Kaner (@AviKaner) March 25, 2020
2. A Jewish man listens to the Qur’an
A Jew in Israel listens to the Quran prayers.
Unity is our key to winning over the Corona.יהודי בישראל מאזין לתפילות הקוראן.
האחדות היא המפתח שלנו להגבר על הקורונה.يهودي في إسرائيل يستمع لصلوات القرآن.
الوحدة هي مفتاحنا للفوز على كورونا. pic.twitter.com/kJmB3IPZEy— Moriya מוריה موريه (@LevyMoriya) March 25, 2020
3. Jewish-Israeli and Muslim-Palestinian brothers stand together
#IsraelUnderFire: we are human .
Learn to live together in mutual respect. #Jewish #Muslim #Gaza #Israel #Peace pic.twitter.com/PZXNGF8iJz— (((HadasA))) (@HadasAltwarg) July 18, 2014
4. A Jewish-Muslim collaboration helps provide Sharia-compliant loans in Canada
“We know there’s strife btwn our communities. If Islamic mortgages happen & Jews help, it’s a sign for peace that the 2 sons of Abraham get together & that means Muslims can get mortgages. Everybody benefits & I’m doing my bit for world peace.” #TikkunOlamhttps://t.co/HHa5m5oz82
— Shoulder-to-Shoulder (@S2Scampaign) March 22, 2020
5. Jewish and Muslim Women come together in sisterhood in the USA
“it is either nonviolence or non-existence. “ MLK Jr. 50 sisters come together at the MLK Jr Center #SOSSCivilRights pic.twitter.com/9faFGIToFb
— Salaam Shalom (@sosspeace) April 23, 2018
6. A Palestinian doctor treats patients in Jerusalem
Dr. Wisam al-Jamal is doctor that lives in Hebron and works in Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem.
“In Hadassah, I feel like I’m at home. We work as a family. Our goal is to provide medical care to anyone who needs it…” pic.twitter.com/LxRxvVUWP0
— ~Legacy~ נפתלי בן מתתיהו (@Immort4l_Legacy) August 12, 2019
7. Jewish and Muslim women celebrate their spirituality
Remember to #LoveAMuslim everyday. And if you don’t know a Muslim, checkout @MJSolidarity, @sosspeace, and @MJNewGround. In relationship with one another we meet the Divine and we know ourselves. Photo credit @venice4change. pic.twitter.com/N8MB831cqM
— Rabbi Kerry Chaplin (@kerrychaplin) April 4, 2018
8. Jewish and Muslim brothers stand in harmony
We share a world. We share a God. Let’s act like it. pic.twitter.com/CJ1Z1DFats
— Lee Weissman (@JihadiJew) March 26, 2020
9. Jewish and Muslim women in the UK march for women’s rights
Women working together is the real deal #Womendoitbetter #Interfaith #Sisterhood #Interfaith pic.twitter.com/KP2cELdIa4
— Nisa Nashim (@nisanashim) March 10, 2020
10. Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian mothers say NO to violence
https://t.co/eqNQAhXO5d
This beautiful song was written by @noasmusic was inspired by the reconciliation work of the bereaved families of the Parents Circle. The music video features Robi Damelin– bereaved Israeli mother– and Bushra Awwad– bereaved Palestinian mother. pic.twitter.com/tJtKnXjmXY— Parents Circle (@ThePCFF) December 30, 2019
11. A rabbi and Palestinian farmer celebrate their friendship
A rabbi and a Palestinian farmer are neighbors, partners – and friends https://t.co/kxO52czubo via @csmonitor
— Elizabeth Arif-Fear (@Voice_of_Salam) February 27, 2020
12. Jewish and Muslim women from the USA visit Germany and Poland to remember history
#KCRWBerlinReport: This summer, over 50 Jewish and Muslim members from the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom visited #Berlin and Poland for a 10-day trip. A chapter of @sosspeace will now be started here in Berlin. (Photo by Nazli Chaudhry)https://t.co/0M8rAnH2Fi pic.twitter.com/OSmNgpMGsW
— KCRW Berlin (@kcrwberlin) August 16, 2019
13. Jews and Muslims celebrate Pride in London!
Amazing, isn’t it! So, why not be part of the action? We can all help create positive change – no matter where we are!
Take action
Spread the message that peace is possible! Here’s how you can get involved:
- Share this blog online and with your networks
- Connect with the organisations/activists featured: Nisa-Nashim, Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, The Bereaved Families Forum (Parents Circle), Roots, Jihadi Jew
- Take part in our antisemitism research project
Let’s work to spread a message of peace, reconciliation and friendship and say NO antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate!
Salam, shalom, peace!
