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HARMONY ON THE WEST BANK
The Forum is quite possibly unique in today's world and can be seen as a revolution in Muslim Jewish relations, although the two communities have always existed in harmony in the area. Ismail Amaan of the North London Muslim Community Centre commented that the Hassidic Jews and the Muslims actua lly have much in common. They are both monotheistic faiths, see their religions as a way of life, stress the importance of education, have particular dietary requirements and are both minorities in the wider society. Indeed, he says, 'When they're house-hunting, Muslims often choose a Jewish road, they see Jewish neighbourhoods as safe and peaceful.' As many of the Hassidic Jews are firmly anti-Zionist, the issue of the Middle East is also not a divisive one. Ismail points out that in pre-Zionist times, such as Moorish Cordoba and Muslim-controlled Jerusalem, members of Jewish, Islamic and Christian faiths freely intermingled and co-operated in their daily lives. Although there are clearly important differences in their religious beliefs, the two communities see the Forum as a practical step to mutual cohesion and understanding. As most readers know, there is a road called West Bank in the centre of Stamford Hill. Perhaps the other West Bank could use this enlightened and far-sighted relationship as an example of how apparently antagonistic groups can peacefully co-exist? Rabbi Hershey Gluck, of Walford Road Synagogue, |
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A remarkable experiment in ethnic
relations is occurring in Stamford Hill. The Orthodox Hassidic community, some 20,000
strong, and the local Islamic community have set up the Muslim Jewish Forum, a body
designed to ensure that the two communities co-exist in a friendly and tolerant
environment. The Forum is made up of five representatives from each community, and will
meet every month to discuss issues of common concern and serve as a channel of
communications between both groups.