LONDON: In recent weeks, the UK – and the rest of the world – witnessed both widespread optimism and heartfelt grief. Like others around the world, people of faith in the UK came together with great excitement about Barack Obama’s inauguration and the new possibilities it represents. Sadly, we also watched the tragedy of violent conflict in Gaza unfold just before this moment.
In the wake of tragedy and hope, British Muslim and Jewish leaders have come together for interfaith initiatives that are not only important for achieving communal harmony in the UK, but were designed to inspire Middle Eastern political leaders to work for lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
During the Gaza conflict, Britain saw a rise in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic attacks on ordinary citizens. There was an arson attack on a London synagogue and the daughter of a Muslim leader was attacked in Central London and left unconscious. Both the government as well as local Muslim organizations warned that the conflict could be exploited by extremist organizations in an attempt to further radicalize public opinions.
Despite this tension, however, there were encouraging signs. Dialogue between British Muslims and Jews, which has too long been stifled by the “elephant in the room – the Arab-Israeli conflict – actually became more forthright, with greater attempts to harmonize theological and political positions.
At several London-based meetings of Jewish and Muslim faith leaders during the conflict, which involved members of the Three Faiths Forum, the London Jewish Forum and City Circle, all sides spoke frankly about their feelings regarding Gaza, with expressions of widespread horror at the suffering of civilians on all sides and a renewed determination to find practical ways to encourage a just peace settlement in the Holy Land.
Despite the tension, the goodwill on all sides and concern about the rise in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic violence in London ultimately spurred a joint public statement by leaders of many faiths, including the three Abrahamic religions, committing these communities to peaceful coexistence.
This statement, called “United London Stands , was welcomed by mainstream media, with coverage by the BBC and The Times, amongst others. The statement called on communities to stand together, stating: “Primarily, we are determined to ensure that those ethnic and religious communities within this city work to continue to build this city together. We are all Londoners committed to the growth and well-being of the city.
Jewish leaders welcomed a separate statement by British Muslim leaders calling on their communities to firmly avoid and oppose any anti-Semitic behavior, after it became clear that some recent anti-Semitic acts had been perpetrated by Muslims.
Jewish and Muslim leaders repeatedly expressed the hope that Jews and Muslims living together in harmony in Europe would be able to set an example for their co-religionists and political leaders in the Middle East.
But we leaders know that our participation and goodwill in local interfaith initiatives aren’t enough. To make a concerted effort toward resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Muslim world needs to come to terms with the existence of Israel, which it has not yet done.
After over 60 years, Muslims still seem to be in denial over the loss of parts of Palestine, an event that was deeply traumatic for those whose ancestors had lived in the Holy Land for 12 centuries. The fact that only a few of the almost 50 Muslim-majority countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, have peace treaties with Israel shows the extent of the problem.
But the Muslim world alone cannot achieve a Middle East peace. It must be met half way. Israel must abandon its illegal occupation and settlements in the West Bank. To do this, it needs reassurance that the Arab and Muslim world will recognize and respect its existence.
In our interfaith work, we have tried to model this respect between local groups and call on political leaders to promote a lasting peace between two much larger groups – Israelis and Palestinians. With the Gaza ceasefire holding thus far and a new US president inspiring hope around the world, faith leaders and political leaders need to seize the opportunity to work together sensibly and make brave, honest decisions for the sake of us all.
Usama Hasanis an imam and university lecturer based in London and active in interfaith work. This article was written for the Common Ground News Service (CGNews) and can be accessed at www.commongroundnews.org.
