Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on February 21, 2015

OSLO: The headlines have been grim. Europes Jews face rising anti-Semitism; in some countries, many are leaving in record numbers. In separate incidents in recent months, gunmen have targeted Jews and Jewish institutions in Paris and Copenhagen. Even the Jewish dead have not been left in peace, with reports of graves being desecrated. But the future of tolerance and multiculturalism in Europe is far from bleak. Some communities are trying to build solidarity in their hometowns and cities. One group of Muslims in Norway plans to form a ring of peace around a synagogue in Oslo on Saturday. On a Facebook page promoting the event, the group explained its motivations. Heres a translated version of the invite: Islam is about protecting our brothers and sisters, regardless of which religion they belong to. Islam is about rising above hate and never sinking to the same level as the haters. Islam is about defending each other. Muslims want to show that we deeply deplore all types of hatred of Jews, and that we are there to support them. We will therefore create a human ring around the synagogue on Saturday 21 February. Encourage everyone to come! According to reports, Ervin Kohn, a leader of Oslos small Jewish community, had agreed to allowing the event on the condition that more than 30 people show up a small gathering would make the effort look counter-productive, Kohn said. Close to 1,000 people have indicated on Facebook that they will attend. We think that after the terrorist attacks in Copenhagen, it is the perfect time for us Muslims to distance ourselves from the harassment of Jews that is happening, 17-year-old event organizer Hajrad Arshad said in an interview with Norwegian television. If someone wants to attack the synagogue, they need to step over us first, posted another of the events organizers on Facebook.

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Muslims to form a human shield around Norway synagogue

Category: Synagogue
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