Nov 20 8:40 PM

Bridging the Jewish-Muslim divide

by The Stream Team @ajamstream

Israel and Palestine. Misinterpretations of holy scriptures. These are two of the overarching issues Rabbi Marc Schneier and Imam Shamsi Ali believe drive a wedge between Jewish and Muslim communities. American Jews and Muslims join us to talk about what unites and divides their faith groups. Can interfaith exchanges mend tensions?

On this episode of The Stream, we'll speak to:

Haris Tarin @HarisTarin
Washington Director, Muslim Public Affairs Committee
mpac.org

Yael Luttwak @slimpeacegroups
Filmmaker
slimpeace.org

Rabbi Marc Schneier @MarcSchneier
Co-Author, Sons of Abraham
ffeu.org

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi @YasirQadhi
Muslim Scholar

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

View the story "Interfaith" on StorifyInterfaithStorified by AJAMStream· Wed, Nov 20 2013 13:28:58There are 2.6 million Muslims and around 6 million Jews in the U.S. The two religious minorities both face prejudice according to a recent PEW survey. 47 percent of the general public finds there is "a lot" of discrimination towards Muslims and 24% say there is "a lot" of prejudice against Jews. FlickrHowever, the two groups share other commonalities. In terms of political ideology, education and party identification, Muslim Americans and Jewish Americans are most similar in comparison to other religious groups. Jewish and Muslim-American women, according to a 2009 survey, are also the most educated women in U.S. faith communities. In light of religious divide, this video encourages the importance of interfaith dialogue between Jewish and Muslim communities and "standing up for the other" against discrimination.Muslims and Jews Vow to Stand Up for Each Other, Build Global Movement of ReconciliationunityproductionsfndSome groups, including "Slim Peace," which began as a weight loss group for Israeli and Palestinian women and "Seeds of Peace," which unites Israeli and Palestinian kids in a camp in Maine, aim to combat stereotypes through collaborative experiences.SlimpeaceMembers of the Stream community commented on shared values among Jewish and Muslim communities.@AJAMStream share Abrahmic lineage & face issues of religious bigotry & are minorities with similar religious food requirements halal/kosherRazainc@balloutd @AJAMStream I think there are many commonalities - kosher/halal, issues around circumcision, family valuesLinda Sarsour@AJAMStream Jewish and Muslim communities are very similar with things like economics and political views. No real rift.נחOthers pointed to Israel and Zionism as factors dividing the groups.@AJAMStream Israel. I can't think of anything else. The religions are so similar yet the divisions run so deep. It is sad.rhian@AJAMStream Israel applies Zionism which politicizes Judaism for supremacist goals. Interfaith activities wouldn't be addressing the issue.Oregano&Olive Oil@AJAMStream Israel divides Muslims from some Jews but it doesn't have to. The conflict isn't religious; the divide is bw Muslims & Zionists.Deanna دياناSome also commented on the potential for interfaith exchanges within communities.@AJAMStream I think they could be valuable in addressing and possibly resolving sectarianism, but exchanges should be led by local actors.Sarah Jones@AJAMStream interfaith dialogue efforts are essential but need to be done more meaningfullyAbdullah T. Antepli@AJAMStream Most such events draw people who WANT unity already. Need events that effectively bring together people who don't. #MarketingMustafa Saied

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