Building Bridges: Muslim and Jewish Women Unite Against Conflict in the Middle East

Strategic Insights -

Over 40 Jewish and Muslim women came together in west London, united by a shared determination to bridge the divide between their communities. Organised by the Nisa-Nashim network, a group founded in 2015 to bring Jewish and Muslim women together, the gathering marked a poignant moment in the quest for peace in the Middle East. The women, who had made "friendship bags" for each other, lit candles in memory of those who had died in the conflict, and heard a reading that hoped for a "peace made of small gestures".

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nisa-Nashim network, founded in 2015, brings together Jewish and Muslim women to promote peace and understanding, with over 40 women attending the latest gathering in west London.
  • The event was held in memory of those who died in the conflict, and featured a reading that hoped for a "peace made of small gestures".
  • Denise Joseph, a Jewish accountant, said that the event was "really uplifting" and a chance for difficult conversations about the war and its fallout.
  • Lindsay Simmonds, a research fellow at the London School of Jewish Studies, said that the women are friends because they find a kindred spirit in each other, not because of their faith.
  • Zaza Elsheikh, a Muslim doctor and lawyer, said that openly discussing the Middle East conflict is crucial to promoting peace, even if it means having difficult conversations.
  • Amanda Bowman, a Jewish woman, read a passage hoping for "a peace made of small gestures, a shared cup of tea, a child's laughter, the courage to listen before replying".
  • Laura Marks, a co-founder of Nisa-Nashim, cautioned that the ceasefire does not necessarily mean peace yet, and that work still needs to be done to achieve lasting reconciliation.

Statistics:

  • Over 40 Jewish and Muslim women attended the event in west London (The Times).
  • The Nisa-Nashim network was founded in 2015 (The Times).
  • The event was held in memory of those who died in the conflict, including those killed on October 7 and in the attack on a Manchester synagogue this month (The Times).

Sources:

  • The Times: "Women share cup of tea and hope for peace in Middle East"