No, not all Muslims hate Jews. Several British Muslim groups made it a point to drive that home. Led by Muslims Against Anti-Semitism, they published a full-page advertisement in The Telegraph last month condemning anti-Semitism.
The advertisement shouted out in bold black font at the top: “We Muslims have one word for Jews. Shalom.” The ad was signed by several advocacy groups such as anti-extremism group Faith Matters, Tell MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks) and the Association of British Muslims.
“As British Muslims, we believe that the time has come to speak out. For far too long, anti-Semitism has gone unchecked. Sadly it has become entrenched across society. Its poison can be found in all political parties and across followers of all faiths, including Islam. Eradicating it is a challenge faced by all of us,” the advertisement said.
“We understand that many in our country empathize with the Palestinians and their right to a sovereign state. We welcome the defence of the rights of all people. However, we must be ever vigilant against those who cynically use international issues to vilify Jews or promote anti-Semitic tropes. There is no cause that can justify the promotion of hate,” it said.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews tweeted in appreciation of the advertisment: “Incredible solidarity – a full-page ad by Muslim sisters and brothers in today’s Telegraph. Thank you. Together we will defeat the twin evils of anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hate.”
This is how Muslims Against Anti-Semitism describes itself on its website: “Islam at its core is about emancipation from ignorance and learning and social justice sit at its core. With this in mind we will work towards combating xenophobia and intolerance so that our Jewish brothers and sisters do not feel threatened or frightened because of who they are. Together, Muslims and Jews can also work towards combating some of the stereotypes and myths perpetuated against Muslims and Islam. We hold out the hand of friendship to all who aspire to bring mutual understanding and co-operation between communities in the UK.”
A week ago, the Board of Deputies had joined Tell MAMA in condemning Islamophobia, when that group on May 8 rolled out a report on anti-Muslim bias in Britain.
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