Fourth Muslim-Jewish Dialogue to Take Place in Toronto, Canada
On the initiative of Weekly Press Pakistan news service,
a fourth Muslim – Jewish dialogue meeting will take place in Toronto, Canada on
September 9th.
The dialogue is comprised of sessions of group
discussions between Jews and non-Arab Muslims, geared towards the boost of
people-to-people dialogue. The meeting is for adults as well as for teenagers,
who will meet in separate groups. The meetings are designed to provide an
opportunity to meet new friends and remove stereotypes. The demand from
potential registrants for the coming session is reportedly high, including six
requests from Pakistan-based Muslim journalists who want to attend.
Forty Muslims and Jews participated in the last meeting
which took place in April. The two hour meeting involved men and women
convening in four small work groups. The Muslims, on their part, stressed the
difference between Arbi (Arab) and Ajmi (non-Arab) Muslims, and the positive
attitudes of the latter toward Israel. The participants from both sides talked
about the importance of tolerance and mutual respect, as well as the importance
of confronting stereotypes. They explored topics such as spirituality, what
makes for a good person, and what is necessary for enlightened collaboration
between the two religions.
Khaleel Siddiqui, a senior Pakistani-Canadian journalist,
stated during the last meeting: “The frank discussions, I hope, will open a new
chapter in Jewish – Muslim relations. I believe that the misunderstanding
between the two communities will be ended. Real Muslims are not terrorists and
enemies of the Jewish people. Judaism and Islam have the same source – the
religion of Abraham. Our God is one; we have similar religious instructions
regarding many issues.” Another participant commented: “I am glad to be part of
another very successful session of Jewish-Muslim Toronto Dialogue. It was very
friendly, and intellectuals from both sides exchanged their thoughts. We also
talked about what one idea or thought each can bring to the table which can
help resolve present problems in the world.”
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