CRCC: Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement : In the News : Engagement in the News

Jewish and Muslim Engagement in the Headlines

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All articles appearing on this website represent the individual positions of their authors and not the position of the Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement.

November 2009

"Muslims and Jews Together" Startribune 17 November 2009

Conventional wisdom has it that Jews and Muslims are implacable foes. But this past weekend, in Minnesota and around the country, mosques and synagogues were writing a very different story.

"Jewish-Muslim Relations" by Dan Rickman Y-Net News, 8 November 2009.

Judaism and Islam have a lot in common. To develop relationships between these two faiths further, Jews and Muslims need to be more aware of nuances within their respective traditions.

October 2009

"Muslim and Jewish Faiths Merge in Washington" Al Arabiya News Channel, 26 October 2009.

"Jewish, Muslim Students Promote Peace at 8th Annual Interfaith Dinner" The GW Hatchet, 15 October 2009.

"Germany Should Mark Jewish and Muslim Holidays Leaders Say" JTA: The Global News Service of the Jewish People, 14 October 2009.

"Jewish and Muslim students join to celebrate R-osh Hash-amadan," by Karen Herland, Concordia Journal, 1 October 2009.

On Sept. 23 about 30 people gathered around a table at Hillel House on Stanley St. to share mergez, shawarma, kabobs and hummus. The occasion was R-osh Hash-amadan and the guests included 10 members of both Hillel Concordia and the Muslim Students Association (MSA) along with representatives of the CSU and Multi-faith Chaplaincy.

"Synagogue and Islamic Center Share Space and Set Tone for Cooperation" by Mohamed Elshinnawi, 5 October, 2009

As the Muslim population in the United States continues to grow, Islamic centers across the country have begun looking for extra prayer space in nearby schools and churches to accommodate their increasing memberships. Recently, an Islamic center in Northern Virginia found some rental space in a Jewish synagogue – an arrangement that could serve a role model for Muslim-Jewish relations in the Middle East.

September 2009

"In one Paris neighborhood, Jews and Muslims live as they did in N. Africa: Together," by Ilan Moss, JTA, 22 September 2009

Despite the tensions that have marked Muslim-Jewish ties in France in recent years, this neighborhood in northeastern Paris has managed to stay relatively free of them. The Arab-Israeli conflict still complicates relations between the two communities, but residents describe Belleville as idyllic compared to the hostility between Jews and Muslims in the immigrant suburbs surrounding Paris.

August 2009

"Abundant Faith, Shrinking Space: Mosques Turn to Synagogues, Ballrooms to Accommodate Growing Membership", by William Wan, Washington Post, 22 August 2009

July 2009

"Jewish-Muslim Dialogue: The Risks And Rewards," by Steve Lipman, The Jewish Week, 15 July 2009.

Rabbi Burton Visotzky, professor of Midrash and interreligious studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, was on foreign but familiar ground recently. A veteran of interfaith discussions with Muslims around the world, he was among three rabbis who took part in a panel discussion at the Islamic Society of North America’s 46th convention in Washington, D.C. Their topic: Muslim-Jewish Dialogue: Building a Peaceful Society Here and Abroad.”

June 2009

"Conference shines new light on Arab Jews," University of Cambridge Office of Communications, 19 June 2009.

A major conference, to be opened by Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan this week, will shed new light on the underexplored subject of Arab Jews.

"Unity Program’s first local grads break down walls of Muslim-Jewish relations," by Stacey Palevsky, JWeekly.com, 11 June 2009.

Imagine: Jewish and Muslim teenagers laughing together, walking arm in arm, making plans to hang out in the summer. They seem like unlikely scenarios — but thanks to the Unity Program, a project of the S.F.-based nonprofit Abraham’s Vision, they’re a reality. The program graduated its first class of Bay Area students May 31.

May 2009

"Interfaith Understanding Wins Out, and a Plot Loses," By CLYDE HABERMAN, New York Times, 22 May 2009.

"Jewish-Muslim Interfaith Directory Launches to Foster Dialogue," PRWEB, 21 May 2009.

JewishMuslimDirectory.org announced the launch of the first online interfaith directory to facilitate dialogue between Jewish and Muslim communities in the United States.

"Moroccan Women Religious Leaders Find Common Ground with US Jewish & Muslim Women Leaders on Advancing Equality, Tolerance, & Families," PRNewswire-USNewswire, 20 May 2009.

Visiting 'mourchidates,' or women religious counselors, share views at Interfaith Forum on women's role in strengthening communities, combating domestic violence, building more progressive societies

April 2009

"Coroners get MRI body scan option,", BBC News, 21 April 2009

Ministers say some people, including some members of the Muslim and Jewish faiths, are uncomfortable with invasive post-mortem examinations.

"Ukrainian Jewish, Muslim leaders meet," JTA, 19 April 2009.

Jewish and Muslim leaders in Ukraine agreed to hold an interfaith conference later this year.

"Dreaming of cheese, jobs in New York field," by Poppy Harlow, CNNMoney.com, 15 April 2009.

An entrepreneur has long dreamed of building high-end specialty cheese factory, his key selling point: Product would meet strict standards of Jewish, Muslim faiths

"Zooming In On Righteous Muslims," by Steve Lipman, The Jewish Week, 14 April 2009.

"He has a dream," by Yitzhak Benhorin, Ynet News, 14 April 2009.

Prominent US Jewish spiritual leader, Rabbi Marc Schneier believes Jews and Muslims must join hands in the fight against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

"Growing up Muslim amongst Jews," by Zeba Khan, Altmuslim.com, 9 April 2009.

Zeba Khan traces her own adherence to Islam as an adult back to the Jewish friends she made as a young student at the Hebrew Academy of Toledo, who shared with her the joy and spiritual fulfillment they felt from practicing their faith.

March 2009

"Budget Cuts Threaten Jewish, Muslim Burial Rituals," By Sally Goldenberg, New York Post, 25 March 2009.

"Jewish group: Dialogue with Muslims more urgent than ties with Vatican", by Shlomo Shamir, Haaretz.com, 17 March 2009

A top Jewish umbrella organization in the United States is launching a campaign to initiate dialogue and cooperative efforts with the Muslim community.

"CSU seminar to explore religious finance rules", by Michelle Jarboe, Plain Dealer/Cleveland.com, 17 March 2009

About the event: A look at how traditional Jewish and Muslim legal attitudes toward mortgage lending apply to the mortgage crisis.

"Jewish, Muslim comedians make peace, jokes onstage", By JAWEED KALEEM, Monterey Herald, 10 March 2009.

A Muslim and a Jew walk on stage. Chaos ensues — of the comedic variety. This is Laugh in Peace, featuring Muslim comic Azhar Usman and Rabbi Bob Alper.

"We must face the real interfaith challenge", by MARC SCHNEIER, Jerusalem Post, 10 March 2009.

"250 attend 6th Annual Jewish-Muslim Peace Walk", by DANIEL WOOLFOLK, Tucson Citizen, 8 March 2009.

About 250 people participated in the 6th Annual Jewish-Muslim Peace Walk in Tucson on Sunday, officials said.

February 2009

"Milk & Honey: Part II," by A Qasimi, Santa Fe Reporter, 25 February 2009.

Kosher and halal foods submit to nostalgia and reinvention

"Hip hop harmony comes to LSE for interfaith week," Finchannel.com, 24 February 2009.

A Muslim-Jewish hip hop collective are performing at LSE as part of an interfaith week which aims to bring out the common cultural links between religions.

January 2009

"Muslim woman, rabbis to pray at inaugural service," by RACHEL ZOLL (AP), the International Herald Tribune, 14 January 2009

December 2008

"Stamps of Approval," The Jewish Daily Forward, 31 December 2008.

Two Turkish diplomats who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust have been honored with commemorative stamps recently issued by Turkey’s postal system.

"Rabbi at Temple Shalom in Dallas emerges as leader in Muslim-Jewish dialogue", by Sam Hodges, Dallas Morning News, 13 December 2008.

"Muslim, Jewish graves desecrated in France," JTA, 10 December 2008

More than 500 Muslim and up to 20 Jewish graves were desecrated in a French military cemetery.

"Meet MUJU: the London theatre troupe that unites Muslims and Jews," by Caroline White, Times Online, 9 December 2008

"Many Spaniards found to have Jewish or Muslim ancestry", by Giles Tremlett, Guardian, 5 December 2008

Study shows that one in three have traces of Jews or Moors forced to convert or leave Spain in 15th and 16th centuries

"Gene study shows Spain's Jewish and Muslim ancestry"by Nicholas Wade, International Herald Tribune, 5 December 2008

The genetic signatures of people in Spain and Portugal provide new and explicit evidence of the mass conversions of Sephardic Jews and Muslims to Catholicism in the 15th and 16th centuries after Christian armies wrested Spain back from Muslim control, a team of geneticists reports.

"Finding A Connection To Judaism During the Eid", by Eboo Patel, NPR.org, 8 December 2008

"Mumbai's Jews remain at one with Muslims despite antisemitic attack", by Rhys Blakely, Times Online, 6 December 2008.

November 2008

"Local Indian, Muslim and Jewish reaction to Mumbai terror attacks" WINK News, 30 November 2008

"Twinning builds bond between Muslims, Jews" by Nicholas Keung, Toronto Star, 24 November 2008.

"A Jewish-Muslim effort to dispel fears and biases" by Jeff Diamant, New Jersey Start-Ledger, 22 November 2008

"At Riverdale Jewish Center, Muslim student finds a haven for prayer" by N. Clark Judd, Riverdale Press, 20 November 2008

Dinar Enggar Puspita had never been inside a synagogue until she came to Riverdale in August; now she prays at Riverdale Jewish Center every Wednesday.

"Muslims and Jews pack Rutgers dialogue event" by Debra Rubin, New Jersey Jewish News, 6 November 2008.

Students share views on dating and diets, find common ground

"MPs Tour Universities to Improve Relations between Muslim and Jewish Students," by Ruth Gledhill, The Times Online, 3 November 2008.

October 2008

"Schechter joins yearlong Jewish/Muslim dialogue" by Johanna Ginsberg, New Jersey Jewish News, 30 October 2008.

‘Unity’ program aims for students to be ‘catalysts for change’

September 2008

“Jewish and Muslim students break Challah, boundaries,” By Noa Borkan, the Wesleyan Argus, 23 September 2008.

"Anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim attitudes rise in Europe" by Brian Knowlton, 17 September 2008

Anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim attitudes have been rising nearly in tandem in several European countries, apparently reflecting concerns over immigration, globalization and economic ills, according to a new international survey.

August 2008

“Muslim, Jewish educators swap ideas in Greensboro,” by Jeff Mills, News Record, 22 August 2008.

“Rabbi fights to block Muslim leader's deportation,” by Elizabeth Llorente, The Record Online(northjersey.com), 3 August 2008.

One witness's testimony riveted the courtroom at the deportation trial of a Muslim spiritual leader accused by U.S. officials of having had ties to Hamas. It was the account of David Senter, an Orthodox-trained rabbi from Pompton Lakes, in defense of Imam Mohammad Qatanani as a man of peace and love and an asset to America.

July 2008

“Hot pot dinner bonds two very different ‘believers’ in China” by Alison Klayman, Jewish Journal, 30 July 2008

June 2008

“Another Wedge Issue” by Salam Al-Marayati and Steven B. Jacobs, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2008.

“French Muslim, Jewish Leaders Unite to Encourage Religious Tolerance” by Lisa Bryant, VOA News, 25 June 2008.

Europe's largest Muslim and Jewish communities, both located in France, have just elected new leaders Sunday, who both vow to make their faiths more tolerant and open to non-believers.

"Bloomberg Defends Obama before Jewish Audience," by Sara Kugler, Associated Press, 20 June 2008.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg urged Jewish voters to denounce the whisper campaign that for months has pushed the false rumor that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is secretly a Muslim.

"Jews, Muslims Face Challenges in Military Burials" by Jonathan D. Rubin , Beliefnet.com, 16 June 2008.

May 2008

“New York Muslim leader forges close ties with city's Jews,” By Reuters, Haaretz.com, 16 May 2008.

New York's largest mosque, the Islamic Cultural Center (ICC) on East 96th Street in Manhattan, is getting applause from an unexpected quarter -- the city's influential Jewish community.

“In Qatar, Muslim, Jewish clerics meet,” By Barbara Surk, Associated Press, 16 May 2008.

More than a dozen rabbis, including two from Israel, were in attendance this week as this conservative Muslim sheikdom opened one of the Gulf's first scholarly centers dedicated to interfaith dialogue.

“Muslim and Jewish students win advanced degrees from Catholic Union,” By Manya A Brachear, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2008.

Two teachers become first Jewish female and first Muslim female to receive advanced degrees from Catholic Theological Union.

April 2008

“Backstage with Six Rabbis, Six Imams and No ‘Kumbaya’” by Anthony Ramirez, New York Times, 13 April 2008.

In New York, six Rabbis and six Imams, led by Rabbi Schneier, 49, worked on a television commercial to promote tolerance between Muslims and Jews and to condemn prejudice against Muslims and Jews, and intolerance between Muslims and Jews. It is set to air in September, during Ramadan, the month in which it is said the Koran was revealed to Muhammad. It will also play in early October, during the Jewish High Holy Days.

March 2008

"Jewish Representative Body Welcomes Muslim Call to Dialogue," International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations, New York: 3 March 2008.

In an historic first, the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC), that represents world Jewry to other world religions, has issued a call for dialogue between Muslims and Jews. The statement follows the recent call to peace, dialogue and understanding issued by Muslim scholars on February 25th 2008. For more information contact: Ari Gordon, Principle Secretary, at (212) 891 6768 or gordona@ajc.org

Click here for the Full Text of the Letter: Seek Peace and Pursue It: A Jewish Call to Muslim-Jewish Dialogue

February 2008

“Muslim Leaders Issue Letter to Improve Relations with Jewish Community,” by Ruth Gledhill, Times Online, 24 February 2008.

Muslim scholars from The Centre for the Study of Muslim-Jewish Relations (CMJR) with the support of Muslims scholars throughout the world have facilitated the above-mentioned letter to the international Jewish community. This letter is intended as a gesture of goodwill. Its aim is to build upon existing relations in order to improve mutual understanding and to further the positive work in building bridges between Muslims and Jews. The letter was introduced by Prof. Tariq Ramadan at CMJR in Cambridge on Monday 25 February.

Click here for the full text of: An Open Letter: A call for peace, dialogue and understanding.

“Hebrew Union College funds Muslim Scholar’s Rescue” by Brad A. Greenberg, Jewish Journal, 22 February 2008.
A correction to this article was made through a Letter to the Editor: "Muslim Scholar"

“Faith unites Jewish, Muslim Students,” by Gregg Krupa, The Detroit News, 21 February 2008.
A group of 16 Muslims and Jews have met together for months to plan their spring break together, hoping to work side by side to help rebuild New Orleans united by their faith.

January 2008

“Muslim Beauty Queen to play role of Anne Frank,” by Eldad Beck, Ynet News, 17 January 2008.
Asli Bayram, 26, first German beauty queen of Turkish origin, plays role of Jewish girl in hiding from Nazis in Frankfurt theater

“Jewish groups Condemn Attacks on Obama” by Yitzhak Benhorin, Ynet News, 16 January 2008.
Leaders of the Jewish organizations in the United States issued a joint letter condemning the email being distributed both in Hebrew and in English attacking Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

“It’s Time to (re)Open Dialogue with Islam” by Rabbi Haim Ovadia, Jewish Journal, 11 January 2008.

“Jewish board to appoint Muslim adviser” by Riazat Butt, The Guardian, 8 January 2008.

“The Pragmatic Caliphs” by Jason Goodwin, New York Times, 6 January 2008.
A story of Muslim, Christian and Jewish Coexistence

“Jewish studies, for Muslims only” by Jack Khoury, Haartez, 5 January 2008.

December 2007

“Jewish, Muslim groups Launch Joint Program” by Michelle Boorstein, the Washington Post, 29 December 2007
Curriculum will educate on differences and common ground between the two Abrahamic faiths

“A Muslim Story Through a Jewish lens” The Jewish Daily FORWARD, 26 December 2007
A new film made by Muslim-Jewish duo Musa Syeed and Yoni Brook has won the International Documentary Association award for best short documentary.

"U.S. Jews and Muslims seek Paths to Harmony” by Michael Conlon, Reuters, 24 December 2007.

“The Spirit of Eid al-Adha” by Nasser Weddady, International Herald Tribune, 20 December 2007

“For Region’s Muslims and Jews, Rapport builds Slowly but Surely” by Kim Vo, Mercury News, 16 December 2007
With Tensions Abroad at Forefront, Groups Focus on Shared Ties at home.

“Jew’s Subway Hero a Muslim: Saves ‘Hanukkah’ Riders from Thugs” by Jennifer Fermino, Erika Martinez and Peter Cox, New York Post, 12 December 2007

November 2007

“Launch of European Platform for Jewish Muslim Co-operation” announcement by CEJI, 30 November 2007

“Practicing Different Religions (but United on the Issue of Pork)” by Deborah Kolben, New York Times, 18 November 2007.

Mr. Habib, a bearish 47-year-old with a warm smile, is a Muslim immigrant from Egypt, and Ms. Gluck, 34, is a slim, petite Orthodox Jew from Borough Park, Brooklyn. Both had sunk their entire savings into buying the franchise, on a busy stretch of Church Avenue at East 17th Street in Flatbush.

“Exhibition Honors Muslims who Saved Jews from Nazi Persecution” by Sean Gaffney, International Herald Tribune (AP), 1 November 2007.
For Hebrew text with Pictures Click Here

October 2007

“Speaker find Similarities in Jewish, Muslim Lit.” by Michael Coburn, The Dartmouth, 30 October 2007.

“Interfaith Panel Wrestles with Troubling Texts: Will the real ‘chosen’ please rise?” by Amy Klein, Jewish Journal, 19 October 2007

“Boston Jew and West Bank Muslim Build a Temple, and Bridges, in Arkansas” by Samuel G. Freedman, the New York Times, 6 October 2007.
A Reform Jewish congregation’s goal to build its own sanctuary is being realized in large part because a Palestinian-American Muslim contractor offered to do the job at no charge.

September 2007

“With Holidays, a Vow for Better Jewish, Muslim Relations” by Michael Paulson, Boston Globe, 12 September 2007.

Archives: 2007

“Moroccan King Nominated for Righteous Among Nations title” by Itmar Eichner, Jewish world Ynet, 20 July 2007.
Head of Jewish community in Morocco says King Muhammad V saved Jews during World War II by resisting demands of ruling French regime, making him eligible for title.

“Relatives of Interned Japanese Side with Muslims,” by Nina Bernstein, New York Times, 3 April 2007

“ADL honors Albanians who Protected Jews,” Associated Press, 18 January 2007.
Anti-Defamation League praised Albania as only occupied country where no Jews died at hands of Nazis.

Archives: 2006

“Jewish and Muslim Students at USC Share Dorm and Friendship,” by Nick Street, Jewish Journal, 22 December 2006

“Middle East Coexistence House fosters Jewish-Muslim Understanding” by Patricia Lamiell, Rutgers Focus, 27 September 2006

“Jewish, Muslim Students linking arms at Rutgers,” by Marilyn Silverstein, New Jersey Jewish News, 2006.
For the third consecutive year, Muslim and Jewish students at Rutgers University in New Brunswick will link arms together to participate in a Walk for Humanity.

“Jewish, Muslim Students work Together for Peace” by Seth Mauzy, Arizona Daily Wildcat, 26 April 2006.

”Holocaust Survivor Hosts Film about Muslim-Jewish Ties” by Judith Scherr, The Berkeley Daily Planet, 14 March 2006.

“Holy War in Modern Judaism? ‘Mitzvah War’ and the Problem of the ‘Three Vows’” by Reuven Firestone, Journal of the American Academy of Religion; Oxford University Press, 2006