We Refuse to Be Enemies

American Muslims and Jews Must Refuse to Be Enemies! Instead of indulging in mutual fear and loathing, it’s much more beneficial—and more fun-- to reach out to each other. Yes, we have sharp differences on Israel and Palestine, but we have more in common than most of us realize. Our similarities include shared patriarchs and matriarchs, similar customs, not to mention a common tendency to show up late for appointments. We live here, not in Gaza or Tel Aviv, and have a common interest in fighting for the preservation of a democratic and pluralistic America.
Sabeeha Rehman, a Muslim-American writer and activist, and Walter Ruby, a Jewish-American journalist and advocate for Muslim-Jewish relations have had enough of Muslims and Jews feeling alone, and sorry for themselves. Their solution? Let’s come out of our tribal corners and step blithely across the barricades. Let’s hear each other’s narratives and make friends and allies. We have nothing to lose and a better world to gain.