So we decided to view one of his latest videos called, ‘Do Not Sell Your Religion for the World’, (‘Do not sell your deen for dunya’).

In one of his latest videos posted 3 months ago, this is what he said,

“How much will the Yahudh (Jew) pay people to sell off their religion today, (22:18-22:21)”

This statement, along with the others that we have previously reported on should have meant that no mosque accept o rinvite him as a speaker. Yet, the mosque in this video is full of young impressionable minds who have no alternative point of view to the toxic comments of Rashid.

Rashid goes onto abuse the Caliph of the Ahmadi community in the U.K. in the video below. He says:

“….the so-called Ahmadi movement that he is a Khalifa of, according to the US congress…according to Islam he is a kaffir (unbeliever). Anyone who says he (the Khalifa of the global Ahmadi movement – Mirza Masroor Ahmad), is a Muslim, he is a kaffir too”

So much for tolerance, forgiveness and empathy!

Rashid continues to speak and preach in mosques in the United Kingdom to audiences of young men. When will this stop?

The post ‘Sheikh’ Asrar Rashid on Jews – Horrendous Language appeared first on Muslims Against Antisemitism.

“I was alarmed at the prevalence of extreme antisemitism in the Channel cases I observed”.

“Such examples I saw in Channel include:

• individuals expressing the intent to kill, assault or harm Jewish people or a particular Jewish individual
• threats to burn, desecrate or blow up a Synagogue
• the conduct of hostile reconnaissance on local Synagogues
• claiming religious or political justification for the murder of Jewish people • refusing consent to be situated in a city with Jewish people
• demonstrating an obsession with Jews • adherence to extreme antisemitic conspiracies” – Sir William Shawcross, (Prevent Review, Feb 2023)

These are the striking words of Sir William Shawcross in the Prevent Review of the community counter-extremism programme.

Muslims Against Antisemitism (MAAS) was created to inform and work with British Muslim communities in raising their awareness of antisemitism and its discourse; this work also includes countering and challenging antisemitic discourse from those within parts of Muslim communities, and in particular, Islamist groups who seek to divide British Muslim and Jewish communities.

MAAS fully endorses the findings and the opinions of the Sir William Shawcross and our work has demonstrated an ongoing risk to Jewish communities from Islamist antisemitism. This risk has developed and consolidated itself on social media and in the ‘real world’ as cases of Islamist antisemitism make up about a quarter of antisemitic attacks annually reported to the Community Security Trust (CST), the national antisemitism monitoring body. This indicates a basal level of Islamist antisemitism that remain continually high.

MAAS is clear that Islamism, does not and should be the lens through which all British Muslim communities are viewed and the vast majority of Muslims are anti-Islamists and they seek to develop better relations with their neighbours, faith and non-faith communities.

We call on the Government to do more work on tackling Islamist antisemitism and corresponding groups who seek to agitate and affect the social fabric of our society.

As British Muslims, we find it unacceptable that our Jewish brothers and sisters are targeted by Islamist antisemitism. We will continue to challenge it wherever we come across it and in whichever guises it takes.

Signatories: Ghanem Nuseibeh (Chair),
Fiyaz Mughal OBE (Founder),
Haras Rafiq (Trustee),
Elizabeth Arif-Fear (Trustee),
Wasiq Wasiq (Trustee),
Rakib Ehsan (Patron),
Noor Dahri (Patron)

The post Muslims Against Antisemitism Acknowledges the Ongoing Risk from Islamist Antisemitism appeared first on Muslims Against Antisemitism.

The sad fact is that Sheikh Asrar Rashid, incorporates a politicised and aggressive narrative within his religious edicts. Whilst religious leaders have sometimes historically strayed into political speech, we have to highlight the deeply corrosive speech that Asrar Rashid gave on the 13th of June 2021, at a lecture entitled ‘Al-Aqsa and the future of Islam and ‘Free Palestine’.

This is the You Tube video: https://youtu.be/vdQ9fkmPRKM.

We have listed excerpts of the video below highlighting some of the comments by Asrar Rashid:

1:13 mins: “Remember in Jerusalem, the Olive Tree is the tree of the Palestinians and the Boxthorn tree is the tree of the Jews. So the Olive tree has deep roots and it gives shade and it gives olives and oil – benefit. The boxthorn tree was known as the tree of the Jews even in the time of the messenger of Allah, (Muhammad). It also has deep roots but it is just thorns and they (Jews) preferred this tree over the date and olive trees. But the olive tree is known as the tree of the Palestinians and the Israeli occupying forces are known to uproot the trees of the Palestinians. So even planting an olive tree in Palestine is an act of Jihad.”

“And retaking the land forcefully, by force, is an act of Jihad. That if a Muslim goes there and he takes the land, if this Jacob, this Jew from America, can go and claim a house of a Muslim family in Sheikh Jarrah, then every Muslim in the world has a right to go back to Palestine and forcefully take the house of the settlers. I mean they belong to Muslims.”

1:18:43: “Today some people think that the Arabs were treacherous to the Ottoman Caliphate. This is incorrect. There were two groups from amongst the Arabs who were treacherous. Who were the two groups? One was the Sharif of Mecca who was treacherous and from his progeny is the Jordanian Royal Family. And the second was the Al-Saud who govern the Arabian peninsular today. But David Lloyd George from the British Cabinet at the time mentioned two things if you read the historical accounts, they mention two things. One, they were unable to communicate because remember, you have ‘uncle toms’ everywhere in India and Pakistan, otherwise how was a small nation like Britain able to govern a nation of millions.”

“You still have these Uncle Toms. You have this Uncle Tom who goes to Israel – ‘occupied Palestine’ and lays down flowers at the graves of Holocaust victims, these people will never recite Al-Fatiha for Hamas fighters for instance. Yes, they will deem them or designate them as terrorists. Which is fine, you want to deem them as terrorists, that is your opinion, but they will recite their Al-Fatiha for those people who died in the Holocaust. Of course, Holocaust victims were innocent people, they were innocent people, but the fact that you go under the Israeli occupation and go to that place and ignore the Palestinian cause and the Muslim cause of emancipating the city of Jerusalem, and then when you do release a statement regarding what is happening, your statement is neither here nor there. The statement is not unequivocal. So we still have these Uncle Toms….”

1:24.00: “This is why the Caliphate will descend on the city of Jerusalem and this is the future of Al-Islam. It is interlinked and intertwined with the future of Jerusalem. So even when Donald Trump declared Jerusalem as the capital of the occupied state of Palestine, Muslims as a whole and Muslim Ulema as a body should declare and must declare the city of Jerusalem as the future of the Islamic Caliphate. This is an important action.”

The statements made by this preacher are abhorrent, particularly suggesting that Muslims who visit places of the Holocaust in Israel are ‘Uncle Toms’. The use of force to take material items from people in Israel is also unacceptable. Everyone has the right to challenge political ideology and we in Muslims Against Antisemitism believe that any form of racism, prejudice or intolerance, whether directed at Israelis of Arab or Jewish heritage, should be roundly condemned. However, the use of force is not acceptable.

We believe that Asrar Rashid should answer for these statements. His words will have an impact as a religious leader and can influence minds.

Read more: Growing antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate in Europe is a wake up call for us all

The post Sheikh Asrar Rashid’s Politicised & Aggressive Narrative Is Abhorrent appeared first on Muslims Against Antisemitism.

British Islamist twitter feeds are playing out sympathy for the convicted extremist Aafia Siddiqui, rather than focusing on the antisemitic hostage taking of four people at the Beth Israel synagogue in Texas. This alone demonstrates the callous, political and highly inflammatory nature of Islamists.

When Aafia Siddiqui was tried in the U.S. in 2010, her outbursts were full of antisemitism, something that Islamists fail to mention in their perverse sympathies with her. During her trial Siddiqui demanded that Jews be excluded from the jury trial in New York.

Siddiqui’s antisemitism was more than just an outburst. It was systemic and encompassed a mindset that thought of Jews as being part of a global elite that was out to get Muslims and people like her. In an outburst in federal court in Manhattan in 2010 she called for jurors to undergo genetic testing saying, “If they have a Zionist or Israeli background….they are all mad at me”. She went onto say that, “I have a feeling everyone here is them [sic] – subject to genetic testing. They should be excluded if you want to be fair”, she told the judge.

Siddiqui was educated in the United States and had a PhD from Brandeis University. She married an Al-Qaeda operative, Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali, (known as Ammar al-Balluchi), who was a nephew of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed – the mastermind of the 9/11 terror attacks and a cousin of Ramzi Yousef, who was convicted of the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing.

Muslims Against Antisemitism has consistently spoken out against Islamist antisemitism, yet even after the latest antisemitic hostage taking attack, few fellow British Muslims are willing to speak out. Yet, unless our fellow co-religionists speak out, Islamist hate will be seen as being normalised in parts of the community, instead of a viral toxin that needs to be eradicated.

Islam teaches us to protect life. At the core of Islam, is a belief in the functional nature of life and thereby the sanctity of life itself. By allowing Islamists to spread their hate, we also debase the value of life, our care for others and Islam itself.

Read More: We Muslims Need to Talk About Muslim Antisemitism

The post Even After the Beth Israel Terrorist Attack Few Voices Tackle Islamism Within appeared first on Muslims Against Antisemitism.

We have listed just a handful of antisemitic tropes that have developed in some parts of the world with Muslim majority populations. No doubt, the Israel and Palestine conflict has exacerbated the dissemination of such tropes and hatred against Jews and this has been a major driver over the last seventy plus years in many Muslim majority countries. However, with the recent Abraham Accords, we remain hopeful that such prejudice will fall over time as Jews and Muslims mix more freely in the Middle East.

Here are some examples of language that has taken root in some Muslim communities, around how they perceive Jews.

‘Yahud’ or ‘Yahudi’: This is a term that is used in Arabic to describe people of Jewish heritage. However, it is also used pejoratively in antisemitic rhetoric in parts of Muslim majority countries. It has also been used by Islamist extremist groups seeking to cause divides between Muslims and Jews by placing the term into antisemitic tropes of ‘Jews controlling’, being ‘secretive’, exhibiting ‘supernatural powers’, or in ‘undermining Islam’;

‘Khaybar, khaybar ya yahud, jaish Muhammad Saya’ud, (Khaybar, Khaybar, O Jews, Muhammad’s army will return): This is voiced through the antisemitic prism of the historical Battle of Khaybar in 628, where Jews living near Medina in Saudi Arabia were attacked by a Muslim army on the basis that they were seeking to rebel against Muslim rule and attack Medina, the seat of Islamic administration. The statement explicitly suggests that Jews are under threat and is used in a physically threatening manner to Jewish communities. This statement has been heard in recent social demonstrations against the State of Israel, which also demonstrates how closely linked hatred to Israel is, with hatred against Jews in general.

‘Sahiuny’: This the Arabic term for Zionist and is interchangeably used by some to refer to Jews. Antisemitism is couched by individuals spouting this term as a means of promoting antisemitism, and their view may be that it is a term which provides them with some cover, since they are not explicitly mentioning Jews.

‘Blood libel’: This has been used historically by some Christian communities against Jews to expel them from European countries and when Jews were persecuted and killed. It is based on the false rumour that Jews were killing Christian children (or those of non-Muslims) and using their blood in producing unleavened bread, (flat bread – Matzah). It may have come about because of the unexplained death of Christian children in areas where Jews resided and it also plays to the toxic view that Jews killed Jesus and hence their ‘blood-thirstiness’. These tropes have historically led to the mass persecution of Jews and was also one narrative to implement the mass killing of Jews in the Holocaust.

The ‘Blood libel’ has been circulated in various forms around support for Palestinian communities by different Muslim communities. In particular, during the Intifidas or uprisings of Israeli Arabs and Palestinians between 1987 and 2004, blood libel narratives were associated with the killings of Palestinian demonstrators and those involved in the Intifada. Associations included ‘Jewish desire for blood’ and such toxic narratives, which made wipe sweeping false allegations about Jews as a whole.

It is perfectly legitimate and acceptable to support the Palestinian cause for an independent state, though layering on antisemitic narratives to support the Palestinian cause is not acceptable.

Read more: You can stand firmly against antisemitism and for Palestinian rights

The post Why We As Muslims Must Challenge Antisemitic Language Like This appeared first on Muslims Against Antisemitism.

We believe that the mixing and engagement of communities is the only way to create stronger and more resilient cultural, research and economic links. This leads to less conflict in the future and there is much more that unites Muslims and Jews, than that which divides them.

We believe that greater co-operation between Muslims and Jews in the region is the only way to unlock the potential of the region and to ensure that people grow up in environments where they value difference, instead of developing barriers to it.

Which is why we hope that more countries will see dialogue as the way ahead, when conflict has brought nothing but pain to the lives of many.

Read more: Antisemitism: The trap that Muslims fall into when discussing Israel

The post Thousands of Israelis Will Visit the United Arab Emirates appeared first on Muslims Against Antisemitism.

Antisemitism is an increasing threat globally and we cannot and must not allow such abuse to go unchecked and platformed to the detriment of Jewish communities. It also seems that there is a creeping forgetfulness about the Holocaust and there are those who seek to deny it. Their actions are being amplified by social media platforms failing to take action against them.

We remain very concerned by Mr Wiley’s behaviour and lack of understanding of – and empathy towards – the grave issue of antisemitism and Jewish communities. Likewise, we are deeply worried about the failure of Twitter to remove antisemitic material and to take action regarding Mr Wiley’s account, when his tweets are accessible to such a wide range of followers. The material in question promoted a range of antisemitic conspiracy theories and tropes and advocated for the violent murder of our Jewish brothers and sisters. 

We are saddened that such behaviour continues to occur and is not being adequately shut down. We therefore call on Twitter to take swift action and address and review their policies regarding hate speech on their platforms. We also call on all members of the public to join us in standing by our Jewish brothers and sisters during this immensely upsetting and troubling time. The Jewish community deserves better. 

Change must happen and swiftly. Enough is enough.

#NoToAntisemitism #NoSafeSpaceForJewHate

Supported by:

Ghanem Nuseibeh – Chair of Muslims Against Antisemitism,
Fiyaz Mughal OBE – Founder and Trustee – MAAS
Elizabeth Arif-Fear – Trustee – MAAS
Wasiq Wasiq – Trustee – MAAS

The post MAAS statement on Twitter’s failings to address perpetual antisemitic abuse appeared first on Muslims Against Antisemitism.

We know that these marriages have produced hope and endearing memories for many and we know that they also transcend religion and politics, so that people can connect with one another at a spiritual and personal level.

Muslims Against Antisemitism is keen to hear from such mixed couples, so that we can highlight your experiences and your thoughts.

More than ever, those who seek to divide Muslims and Jews are losing ground to hope, love and a desire for Muslims and Jews to live, work and stand together.

Do get in touch with us if we can highlight your story as this topic becomes a key work area for us.

The post Mixed Marriages Between Muslims and Jews appeared first on Muslims Against Antisemitism.

I was asked to write a piece on the sensitive topic of Israel and Palestine and how some Muslims seem to find themselves reciting anti-semitic tropes when discussing the issue. At first, I was reluctant to agree to it, given that such a sensitive topic would be received both positively and negatively from most people on either side of the divide. However, I felt that if this issue wasn’t tackled, then it was just another step towards making a topic that was touchable, untouchable. This isn’t an issue of free speech, but rather an issue of free thought in which we can say what we want about Israel and Palestine, without falling into anti-semitic tropes.

There is no denying that there is significant support for both Israel and Palestine to exist, equally, the contrary appears to be true also. The conflict between the two regions is not an argument I wish to rehearse here but rather how that argument can tend to lead to anti-Semitism both consciously and unconsciously by some Muslims. It is therefore important at this stage to define what anti-Semitism is, in order to ensure that what is discussed, is done so within a consistent framework.

According to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, anti-Semitism is defined as:

“… a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Rise of Anti-Semitism Worldwide

A report released by the UN in September 2019 authored by Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed, states “the frequency of antisemitic incidents appears to be increasing in magnitude in several countries”. This is very concerning, for both Jewish communities and others that stand with them in solidarity against all forms of hatred and bigotry. The Kantor Center, in their 2018 general analysis report that hostility, discrimination and violence motivated by anti-Semitism have increased worldwide. Furthermore, in the same general analysis, Kantor Center also found a 13 per cent rise in physical manifestations of anti-Semitism. Therefore it is not surprising that in a survey conducted by EU Fundamental Rights Society found that 84 per cent of participants reported that anti-Semitism was a serious problem in their country, whilst 34 per cent avoided Jewish events due to fear of attacks. In addition to this, 38 per cent of participants felt like emigrating because they feared for their safety. It is therefore reasonable to suggest, anti-Semitism has not only always existed, but is rising at a rapid rate. This is displeasing because, whilst we appear to generally have become more tolerant as a society over time, Jewish communities do not appear to be reaping the benefits that come along with that tolerance. It is thus prudent to understand what Muslims can do to not unconsciously support this by listening to what those affected by it say.

 All Jews Are The Same

In my call for suggestions to what Muslims can do to not fall into the trap of anti-Semitism, I was inundated with ideas from many people in Jewish communities. The central theme to emerge was to not equate Jews, Judaism and Israel as one entity. For example, the actions of the Israeli government are not the responsibility of Jewish communities worldwide and that not all Jewish communities are the same. I found this fascinating, not so much so because I didn’t believe it (because I do), but rather that anyone would disbelieve it. This is really where the point of contention emerges for me, that if some Muslims believe all Jews are the same, and in their description of Jews they believe some to be evil, then they may believe this is the case for all Jews.

This line of thinking, whereby communities are considered homogenous is dangerous. Not only does it attempt to create a block of people, but it also suggests that any negative action that may happen within that “block”, is, therefore, representative of the entire community as a whole. Many in Muslim communities have experienced this very same issue since the September 11th terrorist attacks. So I find it bizarre that any Muslim would knowingly engage in anti-Semitic tropes? However, my starting point with any individual or community is to assume they are good and they know what is just, and would not engage in anything to the contrary unless it was done so unconsciously. I do not believe all Muslims that do engage in anti-Semitic tropes do so because they know it’s anti-Semitic, I believe it is rather the case that they do so because they do not know what anti-Semitism actually is. But how do you remedy against such a malady?

What Can Muslims Really Do?

Whatever suggestions I make henceforth, are fruitless unless those Muslims that have engaged in anti-Semitism are genuinely willing to change. The desire to be good must override one’s own pride and arrogance and, I am sure that those in Jewish communities are very willing to forgive if the perpetrator is sincere in changing their ways.

Elizabeth Arif-Fear, Muslim writer and activist offers her 13 ways to move towards peace with the Israel-Palestine conflict. This is a helpful starting point for both Muslims and anyone else that has previously engaged in anti-Semitism. For example, point 3 in which Elizabeth Arif-Fear says we must  “Listen to those most affected” is a very important one for Muslims. If the logic is, that Zionism is a racist endeavour, then surely Muslims should be thinking about the Jewish communities et al that are living under said endeavour? If Jews are not part of a Muslim’s concern, then it is the Muslim that has the issue, not the Jewish communities.

An example of this is highlighted when Elizabeth Arif-Fear posted a picture, on Twitter in support of Jewish communities regarding the Holocaust. To her surprise, and maybe not to others, Asghar Bukhari a founding member of the Muslim Public Affairs Committee replied with:

“Always one [SIC] muslim puts Jewish victimhood above Blacks, first nation people, Palestinians and everyone else. Shameful”.

If this isn’t an example of not only whataboutery but also minimisation from a Muslim about Jews that suffered under Hitler’s rule, then I don’t know what is? But is this is an isolated action from Asghar Bukhar? It appears not. There is one accusation that does deserve your attention, and that is of Mossad breaking in and entering his home in 2015.

Bukhari is reported to believe that Mossad broke into his home and stole one of his shoes. It is his belief that stealing both shoes served little purpose and that stealing one was necessary in order to let him know that they had been. Since posting it on Twitter, it received considerable attention and the hashtag #MossadStoleMyShoe began. Of course, he was ridiculed for such a risible accusation, but when anti-Semitism is taken to ridiculous extremes, then it is no wonder many people on opposing sides are brought together to laugh at him. Asghar Bukhari has since taken down that post and it is likely he will be defined by it for the remainder of his career.

Whilst this is an example of a ridiculous anti-Semitic event, there are others that are not so. But there is another issue which I would like to turn your attention to, and that is of the Jewish allies.

The Anti-Semitic Jewish Allies

In a Muslim’s quest to be less anti-Semitic, it is worth reminding them that whilst conflicts will always exist between adherents of religions and people from different regions, snakes will emerge to capitalise on this misery. One such individual is Katie Hopkins. There are plenty of documented instances in which Katie Hopkins appears to be anti-Muslim, whether it is the articles she writes, the interviews she gives or what she tweets. It is unlikely that anyone would disagree that in her pursuit for fame, bashing Muslims is her modus operandi.

Sir Mick Davis, the former Conservative Party CEO was aware of this and how it would manifest in the real world. In an article for the Jewish Chronicle, Sir Mick Davis states:

“We cannot defeat antisemitism by teaming up with people who mindlessly hate Muslims. Our fight against bigotry cannot be fought alongside bigots.”

This point hits the nail on the head because, whilst some Muslims may feel like people such as Katie Hopkins are only supporting Jewish communities as a means to hate Muslims, it is not the case that Jewish communities are willingly opening their doors to her. Sir Mick Davis advances his position further:

“These people are not our friends. Once they’re done with Muslims they will turn their attention to us. For them, difference is intolerable and something to be feared and vilified. Seeking common cause is a cynical ploy and sometimes the misguided and foolish are taken in.”

If some of those Muslims that are actively engaged in anti-Semitism realise that Jewish communities face a common bigoted enemy in Katie Hopkins, then this could potentially bridge the divide they are facing.  It is both the responsibility of Muslim and Jewish communities to find common ground against those that wish to use either one of them in their campaign of hate and bigotry. But as Sir Mick Davis highlights, the charge of anti-Semitism appears to be rooted in three sections of society; the Far Right, the Far Left and the Islamists.

Anti-Semitism – The One Ring Of Racism To Rule Them All

The phrase, anti-Semitism is the one ring of racism to rule them all was first coined by Maajid Nawaz, the founding director of the Quilliam. A strong proponent against anti-Semitism, Maajid Nawaz regularly takes on anti-Semites from the Far Left, Far Right as well as Muslims on his weekly LBC show.

In November of last year, Maajid Nawaz explained succinctly and with conviction on his LBC show how anti-Semitism was uniting fascists. But it isn’t just Islamists that can be anti-Semitic, so to can ordinary Muslims and they can end up doing so without even realising. For example, with the current conflict appearing to escalate in Iran since the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, a caller named Shabir decided to instead talk about Israel. Maajid Nawaz responds with probably the best answer anyone could give, and which underlies the thesis of this article when he tells Shabir:

“It’s such a cliche to drag Israel into this debate. Listen to yourself. And you wonder why people think you’re anti-Semitic. Why are you dragging Israel into a conversation that has nothing to do with it?”

It is like, Israel is a magnet that The Far Left, The Far Right and Islamists are attracted to. No matter what happens, they can always rely on Israel to exist, in order to blame it for everything bad that happens in the world. But ordinary Muslims can also get caught by this trap and it is therefore important for them to recognise when they are appearing to be in agreement with those that would ordinarily do harm to them. Shabir subsequently admitted his mistake and the call ended.

Concluding Thoughts

Although the topic was about what Muslims could do to ensure they did not fall into the trap of anti-Semitic tropes, it seems to be a difficult endeavour if Muslims themselves are not willing to change. Most of what is covered in this piece sets out the scene of what Jewish communities are facing worldwide and our focus should be on that. But in the pursuit of reducing anti-Semitism, we must tackle those that engage in it innocently, because there are some and they too are the victims of anti-Semitic propaganda.

Muslims such as Shabir exist everywhere, bringing up Jews and Israel at every opportunity they can, but in most cases, it is likely they do not even know why they are? Given that the Labour Party which is the official party of opposition is under investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission for anti-Semitism, just goes to show that anti-Semitism has reached mainstream politics. This is exactly the cover that anti-Semites need to push through with their hate and bigotry and take unknowing Muslims with them.

The way forward for Muslims finding themselves unknowingly reciting anti-Semitic tropes is, to recognise what they are, and, to take a step back and put themselves in the shoes of Jewish communities. It is only through empathy can we work towards ridding ourselves of this malady. Much of what Jewish communities have been facing for centuries, have Muslims more recently been facing since the September 11th terrorist attacks. For nearly two decades, Muslims have been portrayed as the other, have been made to feel like they are terrorists and their religion is the driving force behind it, but the similar sentiment has existed for Jewish communities since the death of Jesus. So rather than bringing up Israel into every conservation, why not try and argue the case for Israel having the right to exist. If you find that difficult, then you have found your biggest reason for why you are consciously or unconsciously reciting anti-Semitic tropes.

Being anti-Semitic is a choice, so make the right one.

The post Anti-Semitism: The Trap Muslims Fall Into When Discussing Israel And Palestine appeared first on Muslims Against Antisemitism.

At MAAS we welcome the opportunity to work with such an active, open and thriving community as KLS, who are allies of ours in the fight against all forms of hate, including hate against Jews and Muslims.

The event, coming soon after the end of the 2019 Interfaith Week, will focus on Jewish-Muslim relations, in front of an audience of all faiths and none.

We are very fortunate to have as speakers two leading religious figures from the Jewish and Muslim communities who are experts on the subject: Dr Imam Mamadou Bocoum and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg.

Their expertise is not solely academic, as for a number of years they have been crucial in bringing Jews and Muslims together.

Given their knowledge and passion, they are sure to have an incredibly interesting and wide-ranging discussion on various aspects of relations between Jews and Muslims in the UK today and audience members will have the chance to contribute through questions.

The two speakers are extremely comfortable in each other’s company. In recent years they have talked about the importance of Jewish and Muslim communities standing together as an important way of tackling hate and promoting an inclusive relationship based on tolerance and educating each other on their respective religious traditions.

Their work has not gone unnoticed. In 2017 they jointly receive the No2H8Crime Award for Intercultural Dialogue. You can see a clip of them receiving the award in the video below.

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg

Rabbi Wittenberg descends from a family of impressive rabbinical traditions going back several generations who lived in Germany and Eastern Europe.

A highly learned man, he has a literature degree from Cambridge University. He studied to become a Rabbi at Leo Baeck College in London and Jerusalem.

He has been the Senior Rabbi of Masorti Judaism for over 8 years and the Rabbi of New North London Synagogue for over 25 years.

He has written a number of books and has appeared on Thought for the Day on Radio.

He takes a keen interest in interfaith work and in October 2019 hosted MAAS’s inaugural Sukkot evening.

Dr Imam Bocoum

Dr Imam Bocoum was born in Senegal. He has lived in the UK for many years. 

He can speak a number of languages and has a degree in Arabic. This has helped him in his extensive travels throughout the world where there are significant Muslim populations.

He also has a degree in Islamic Studies and therefore was able to become an Imam in 2004.

Due to his passion for interfaith work he also obtained a master’s degree in the study of Abrahamic religions.

He is a Chaplain for Her Majesty’s Prison Service (HMP) where he has played a key role in deradicalisation, which he is an expert on.

He is also an Interfaith Adviser to Register Our Marriage (ROM).

How you can get a ticket

Tickets are FREE and are going fast, so if you don’t want to miss out, please book via the Eventbrite link below, where you will also be able to contact the organisers if you have any questions. You will be given the venue for the event nearer the time if you book a ticket.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shalom-salaam-an-imam-and-a-rabbi-discuss-jewish-muslim-relations-tickets-71779994897

KLS and MAAS reserve the right to cancel any bookings before the event, based on security concerns arising from vetting.

If you have booked a ticket, but can no longer make the event, please inform us, so we can give your ticket to another person.

PLEASE DO BRING A FORM OF PHOTO ID ALONGSIDE YOUR TICKET

It will be fantastic to see many of you on Tuesday 26^TH November 2019 from 7.30pm, as your presence will help make what is sure to be a good event, great!

The post Shalom, Salaam- An Imam and a Rabbi discuss Jewish-Muslim relations appeared first on Muslims Against Antisemitism.