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Facebook Muslims to young European Jews: “Thank you”

Posted in Irshaddering Thoughts on Dec 18, 2009

(Courtesy: 4 International Flags)

A few weeks ago, the Swiss voted to outlaw minarets in their midst. Denunciation came from the usual suspects. But one highly unusual source stood out.

After I learned that an umbrella group representing young Jews in Europe openly opposed the minaret ban, I was propelled to ask: How can young Muslims reciprocate this good will? That’s when I posted the following message on my Facebook fan page:

“The European Union of Jewish Students has issued a public statement condemning the Swiss ban on minarets. Agree or disagree with their position, their larger point is that faithful Muslims deserve the freedoms that democratic societies offer. This is a noble gesture by young European Jews and we should do something to acknowledge their inclusive message. So I’m now asking my Muslim fans to post PERSONAL messages against anti-Semitism here.“

Many Muslims did. Highlights:

“The Jewish community has always been in the lead defending human rights. They stand by their gift to the world, that code of ethics which puts human dignity first.

It was they who first made the UN aware that dropping food packages containing pork wasn’t appropriate for the Bosnians under siege in Sarajevo, and they sent doctors to help. Israel relocated many Bosnians, then Albanian Kosovan families. Not to mention that refugees from Darfur in Sudan work and live in Israel, when hardly any Muslim country would give them refuge.

When Uzbek Jews left the Soviet Union, they were not comfortable leaving many of their close Muslim friends behind, so Israel relocated many of them. When the communist world collapsed, most Albanian Jews were married to Muslim and Christian Albanian spouses. The spouses and their families were invited to Israel too.

It may be possible that the God of Abraham smiles upon and continually blesses the Jewish people, to whom so many prophets were sent, because they are so caring for that high point of His creation, the family of Man.” – Ismael

“I’d like the day you posted this challenge to be officially known as Hug a Semite Day. Find a Semite (Arab or Jew) and give them a big hug in the name of world peace.” — Yusuf

“It’s about time to let go [of] prejudice and hatred simply caused by our ancestors’ unwillingness to understand one another. To begin clearing the air, first get rid of hatred, anger and suspicion as well as [the] feeling of superiority from within ourselves.  Show and not tell them – people of different race and religion — that we care and love them for what they are.“  – Emmy

“Growing up, there was social & religious indoctrination to hate, condemn & kill the Jews. Secular education & global awareness reverse that thinking. I embrace all the goodness of mankind.“ — Mazlina

“I come from a part of the world that has been ravaged by Israeli aggression. That fact has never stood in the way of recognizing that anti-Semitism is unjustified under any circumstance.  Racism, including anti-Semitism, is inhuman, un-Godlike, immoral and criminal. Anti-Semitism is especially reprehensible because of its long history and horrendous outcomes through the ages…

It has been my personal experience that our Jewish brothers and sisters are always at the forefront of reaching and speaking out in favor of justice and tolerance. This recent example from the European Union of Jewish Students is no exception.

I think more Muslim believers need to reach out to the Jewish community and say ‘thank you’ for this recent initiative on their part re: Switzerland… Words alone will never be enough to show gratitude.“ — Marilyn

“As a high school student in the 70s, I was lucky to be one of those recipients of a national service award in Malawi conducted by members of the Israeli Armed Forces… In college many of my friends were from the Middle East — Muslims, Christians and Jews. It is a collective effort by all, including forums such as this with courageous comments, that will enlighten and free many of us from carrying around learned hatred for other people.” – Yunus

“As long as you’re living and breathing and supporting each other’s human rights, I’ll be by your side. Oh , and don’t forget to smile. (=” – Pitoresmi

“I’m from Indonesia. We are one unity and VOTE PEACE and start to make a better world…” – Hasan

“I pledge my solidarity with the Jewish Community. In my world, there is no difference  between a Jew and a Muslim, or between black and white. I will stand by any cause that I deem just.” – AbdiShwak

“When I was very young, living in a remote part of a predominantly Muslim country, my teacher asked me if I was a Shia or a Sunni (sort of like asking a Christian if he is a Catholic or a Protestant). Since I honestly  didn’t know, she asked me to check with my parents.

To this day, I have not forgotten the answer my father gave.  He said: ‘What sort of stupid question your teacher has asked you? Tell her tomorrow that you don’t believe in any divisions and even Jews and Christians are your brothers.’ 

A couple of decades have passed and I still believe in this. I consider all Jews my brothers and always look forward to befriending them.” – Mustafa

*****

Now for a sample of the responses, first from an atheist Jew and then from an orthodox Jew:

“As a Jew (atheist), I’m writing to the Muslims who replied to Irshad’s call to speak out to embrace the European Jewish students: you have my tears of gratitude and my re-awakened consciousness to the humanity of man.” – Ed

“I want to applaud all the Muslims here who have given such positive feedback! It is something I have been looking for since 9/11 and first heard it loud and clear with Irshad’s book… Let’s keep this open conversation going. I am an Orthodox Jew and this is beyond refreshing to read.” – Estherhadas

*****

Finally, two dissenters:

“I don’t think the decision to ban minarets had anything to do with discrimination. Switzerland is trying, and should (in my opinion) preserve its historic and cultural architecture. Though, I never hear that much from western media regarding how non-Muslims living in Muslim countries get discriminated against and harassed.

My relatives are Iranian Jews and you can’t even imagine what they are going through. I hope those European Jewish students and the media would find more ways in standing up for minority rights, rather than focusing on petty issues such as minarets.

Muslims in Europe should stop asking for special treatment and privileges from western societies, especially when they know how minorities are treated in their former countries. These are the same Muslims that have failed to stand up for minority or religious rights while they were living in their former countries. Now that they’ve left these countries, we never hear any condemnation/criticism from them towards the way minorities are treated in Muslim countries.” – Hussein

“Well said, Hussein. Here in Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], I know of a shopping mall not being able to get its planning permit approved because the proposed mall was taller than the adjacent mosque. And to build a church, you will need permission from, among others, the the state Islamic Council. So guys, wake up. We are persecuted too.” – Eugene

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