Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council Forms to Fight Against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia

As an ultimate measure against racial attacks in America, the two communities have come together to protect their interests in the nation.

The results of this year’s presidential elections are creating unity between Jews and Muslims in America.

Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council Forms to Fight Against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia[/tweetthis]

American Jews and Muslims have now come together to form a solid block against any forms of harassment that may occur due to Trump’s anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic rhetoric. Although Jews and Muslims have traditionally not shared communion with each other due to their strong religious differences, the situation in the U.S. has brought them together due to “issues of common concern.”

The American Jewish Council (AJC) and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) have come together to form the Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council and launched it this month. This group has been formed with the purpose of creating a united voice against the anti-Semitism and Islamophobia that saw a sudden rise ever since Donald Trump began his presidential campaign.

The appointment of Stephen K. Bannon as a senior counselor and chief strategist by Trump sent shock waves among American Muslims and Jews. Bannon is the editor of the racist website, Breitbart News. Bannon is well-known for his anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, and anti-immigrant views and his appointment spelt out danger for the two minorities.

The Council is made up of 31 members from the Jewish and Muslim communities. The Council will be co-chaired by Henry Schein healthcare company's CEO, Stanley Bergman and president and CEO of the Ethan Allen furniture company- Farooq Kathwari. The council’s main aim will be to come up with strategies to combat incidents of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. The Council will also fight for minority rights to highlight the contributions made to American society by both Jews and Muslims.

The majority of Muslims and Jews voted for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, afraid of the implications for their communities if an openly racist Trump came into power. His election has already been followed by numerous incidents of racist attacks immediately after the elections.

AJC director of Muslim-Jewish relations, Robert Silverman said, “The Council’s formation shows that American Muslim and Jewish leadership are now working together, focused on domestic developments. This is a first and is good news for the entire country.”

Members of the council include former Senator Joseph Lieberman, Imam Talib M. Shareef of The Nation’s Mosque, Masjid Muhammad, businesspeople and government officials.

Resources

Follow the Conversation on Twitter