Jewish-Muslim relations in the real world are at best minimal, and at worst fraught.

With antisemitism and Islamophobia increasing globally and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continuing to dominate discussions, allyship between the two communities isn’t always easy.

However, interfaith work is a great way to bring communities together.

I was honoured to co-present at the News Horizons in British Islam conference in February 2020 on this very topic as a member of Nisa-Nashim – the UK’s Jewish-Muslim women’s network – with the organisation’s founder, Laura Marks OBE.

In our presentation, we explore some of the challenges to Jewish-Muslim relations, including Muslim antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred in the Jewish community and the Elephant in the Room (the Israeli-Palestinian conflict).

We then offer some ideas for ways forward including, how a woman’s touch can be transformative.

Find out more and watch the presentation in the video below:

Jewish and Muslim communities really do have a lot in common and with increasing anti-Muslim hate and antisemitism, it’s critical that we work together to combat hate and nurture our special bonds.

Remember, together we’re stronger!

Thank you Nisa-Nashim and New Horizons in British Islam for your fantastic work and for including me in yet another fabulous conference!

Find out more

• • Nisa-Nashim is Europe’s largest Jewish-Muslim women’s network bringing Jewish and Muslim women together from across the UK – find out more about how you can get involved via their website
  • New Horizons in British Islam is promoting pluralistic, diverse interpretations of Islam, challenging traditional norms and brining people together – find out more via their website

Take action

Take action against antisemitism and Islamophobia by helping in the following ways:

• • Education: Share this blog/our video with your friends, family and networks to help spread the message loudly and clearly
  • Reporting: If you witness antisemitic or anti-Muslim behaviour online or offline, report each incident to relevant bodies and platforms such as the CST (antisemitism – UK),  Tell MAMA (anti-Muslim hate – UK), Twitter authorities, Facebook admins etc.
  • Research: If you’re Muslim and have previously expressed antisemitic views, take part in our research on antisemitism