Remembering Jewish Arabists and Arab Jews
In these polarised times, the social, political and cultural influence and fluid identities of Arab Jews and Jewish Arabists is largely forgotten when it should be commemorated and celebrated.
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Defining tyranny: Hitler, a dictionary and the death of a Jewish Arabist
The world’s best-known Arabic dictionary started off as a Nazi propaganda project and cost a young Jewish scholar her life. It’s time Hedwig Klein received the posthumous recognition she deserves.
Read moreThe curious case of the Islamophobe who became a Muslim
Rather than being like a vegetarian who suddenly becomes a carnivore, a former Islamophobic politician’s conversion to Islam is more akin to a committed soda beverage drinker switching from Coca Cola to Pepsi.
Read moreWhat does being a Muslim actually mean?
In much of the world, ‘Muslim’ is often used as a marker of ethnic origin rather than of religion. This must change.
Read moreThe sound of religious discord
We need to reach a future in which the religious freedom of Muslims who wish to hear the call to prayer does not infringe upon the peace of mind of non-Muslims and non-practising Muslims.
Read moreOf crusaders and jihadists
Despite Donald Trump and Ted Cruz’s aversion to Islam, their own beloved Bible contains troubling “Christian values” of war, misogyny and homophobia.
Read moreAl-Aqsa: Spiritual battleground
For Muslims and Jews to share peacefully and justly the Holy Sanctuary/Temple Mount requires the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Read moreUnholy war in the Holy Land
Despite what religious fanatics believe, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not a “holy war” – far from it.
Read moreEgyptian Jews, love triangles and conspiracy theories
Despite outlandish conspiracy theories, a Ramadan TV drama about Egypt’s lost Jewish community is not a missive to Israel but an ode to pluralism.
Read moreSpain, return and the other 1492
Spain’s recognition of the Jews it expelled ignores another historical crime: the Muslims forced out of Andalusia.
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