Muslim and Jewish students debate Islamophobia and Anti Semitism

01/05/2012

Muslim and Jewish students debate Islamophobia and Anti Semitism by Habeeb Alli

Toronto, Canada –  ‘That would be hard to do,” was the reaction Habeeb Alli, Communication Coordinator at North American Muslim Foundation, received from many as he organised the 11^th annual Speech competition.  The topic was Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia- do Jews and Muslims face the same challenges and have similar solutions?

However, last Sunday night history made itself when a packed audience applauded fifteen participants from various grades and types of schools as they candidly and without fear dealt with the topic at hand. Once an agreed upon date, topic and place is set, an announcement is sent to almost 100 private and public schools of all religious denominations. Students sign up to participate and begin preparing for the big day- April 29^th 2012. Many Interfaith organisations were pleased with this initiative as it addressed a topic from a faith perspective and was planned to accommodate the Jewish community by having it on a Sunday.  The topic of Anti-Semitism was definitely meant to engage Muslims to think beyond themselves.

Among the organisations that supported this year’s event was the Abraham Festival, whose theme was Millennium Goals.  Every year this Festival brings Jews, Christians and Muslims together to celebrate and educate themselves about each other’s religion in Peterborough ON. Being the sole body of Faith leaders advocating for poverty reduction in Ontario, for the last 25 years, ISARC Executive Director, Michael Skaljin, a Buddhist himself, reached out to communities far out of Toronto to participate. Students came all the way from London, Oakville, Markham, Ajax, Scarborough, Vaughn, and beyond.

The approximately 350 audience members were not only treated to food  for thought, but a sumptuous dinner in celebration of the brave and talented youth of our Canadian mosaic- speaking out against Anti-Semitism as a Muslim and condemning Islamophobia as a Jew!

Mr. Farouk Khan, the Executive Director for NAMF, in his remarks noted that this competition has maintained its professionalism over the years. It is not prepared to compromise this value even if at times it’s a struggle to get the community on board. Much of the sponsorship came from local businesses that enabled the winners to receive gifts and trophies. The event was video-taped and placed online for public viewing. Among the sponsors was Emmanuel College that has pioneered the first Muslim Certificate Program and now a Graduate Islamic program at Canada’s first United Church seminary.

The panel of judges was deliberately chosen to reflect the diversity not only as academics but representing the three Abrahamic faiths. Dr Katherine Bullock is a Muslim Professor and author of Politics of the Veil was indeed impressed while Dr Mark Toulouse, a Christian Principal of Emmanuel College, agreed, “It was a splendid event, with exemplary speeches given by wonderfully composed young people!”

The third judge, Valerie Hyman, is a practising Jew, a member of Darchei Noam Synagogue  and a social justice Interfaith advocate. She said, “I was especially impressed at the young women, who were so confident, composed and articulate.”

Among the evening’s attendees was the co-chair of the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims, Dr Barbara Landau who had the honor of sitting on the panel briefly. She had this to say: “What most touched me was the educative and empathetic effect of young people learning about each other's history and experiences with discrimination and marginalization.”

Inset from left Valerie Hyman, Barbara Landau and Katherine Bullock.

If anything, the turning point of this success, were Jewish members of Temple Sinai, Darchei Noam, Temple Sinai, the Narayever Synagogue, Temple Emanuel as well as Christians who sat with Muslims of all ethnicities and religious affiliations. Together they applauded and wished the best for these students as the Honourable John McCallum, MP Unionville, rightly said: “this model should be exported out of Canada!” The students were represented   in the Ontario Legislature by MPP Soo Wong Scarborough Agincourt and were reminded to stand up against bullying anywhere!

The topic of this year’s debate was chosen based on the work that the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding is doing in Twinning Mosques and Synagogues.  This initiative should be extended to twinning faith-based schools, with young articulate youths taking the message forward- we will not forget that racism to one is racism against the entire human race!

Quran 49:13 O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).

*Habeeb Alli is a freelance writer for the Ambition, is on www.allexperts.com and author of twelve books on Islam.