Q: I have reached out to several Jewish and Muslim organizations and I have noticed that I’m not receiving responses from the Muslim mosques. I am getting answers primarily from your site. There has been limited contact from the Muslim side to Jewish centers when Jews are victims of attacks or massacres of October 7th. Thank you, Sukran. Shalom.
Answer: Salutations and greetings:
Your question seems rooted in a particular perspective influenced by prevailing hegemonic narratives. Interfaith interactions are common, yet your specific inquiry focuses on why Muslims, as a collective did not reach out to offer condolences to Jewish centers following the events of October 7th, 2023.
I wish to clarify that I, along with our community, wholeheartedly condemn all forms of violence against civilians. This condemnation aligns with religious teachings and international standards outlined in UN charters, extending to all civilians, including the elderly and children. I do not downplay the significance of any loss of life, whether historically or within the ongoing conflict. It’s crucial to raise the question of whether such categorical condemnation is consistently expressed across all segments of the faiths being represented. If not, it prompts us to ponder why there’s a discrepancy between preaching love and peace while tolerating acts of violence.
Recognizing the broader context is essential. Before the events of October 7th, 2023, there was a significantly higher loss of Palestinian lives between 2000 and 2023 compared to Israeli casualties post-October 7th. This context is vital for understanding the dynamics of offering condolences. It’s important to emphasize that no side should ever experience such loss of life. Nevertheless, extending condolences for every atrocity could potentially overwhelm Muslim clerics.
Muslims often refrain from questioning why rabbis do not reach out to them in the aftermath of tragic events, such as when a Palestinian child loses their life or a family experiences the heart-wrenching ordeal of displacement, property loss, or even a bomb falling in their bedroom. This lack of inquiry stems from the intricate nature of the Palestinian experience, which encompasses distressing elements like displacement, property loss, and immense suffering. It also reflects Muslims coming to terms with their circumstances during these tragic episodes.
Furthermore, the absence of such inquiries is exacerbated by the use of dehumanizing language that labels people as ‘animals,’ a discourse designed to downplay the profound suffering endured by Palestinians. This realization should serve as a compelling motivator for us to delve deeper into the underlying causes of this dire situation and understand why Muslims, as a collective, may have assumed this resigned stance with other religious centers. Unfortunately, the voices of Muslims often go unheard, and they have regrettably come to accept this reality, choosing to endure it silently. As of late, with the advance of social media, blogs, etc. this position is being revisited, and correctly so.
It is worth noting that not all mosques have specific departments dedicated to contacting various organizations. However, this absence of formalized departments does not diminish the genuine sorrow and empathy felt when witnessing the suffering or loss of life, regardless of the background of the victims.
I encourage you to invest time in exploring the works of Edward Said and ‘Life in Occupied Palestine’ by Anna Baltzer. These resources offer valuable insights into the Palestinian experience.
As people of faith, we bear an obligation to stand in solidarity for justice and work diligently to eliminate anything that contradicts God’s expectations for humanity. Together, we can strive to do better, foster a more comprehensive understanding of historical and ongoing issues, and work towards a world where violence against any civilian, whether Palestinian or Israeli, becomes a relic of the past.
Warm Reagrds,
Allah Certainly Knows Best.
P.S. Should you be a local, I request you come to our center for an in person conversation. We welcome you.