In light of the escalating violence in Jerusalem, a Muslim-Jewish women’s network launched this week in the United Kingdom with the goal of “breaking down religious and cultural barriers.” The organization is called Nisa–Nashim – meaning “women” in both Arabic and Hebrew
“The timing makes this more important, not less – it encourages and motivates us more,” says Julie Siddiqi, the Muslim co-chair. Laura Marks, the Jewish co-chair, continues, “Some people will say, what’s the point? But we have to try.”
The Guardian reports that the organization has three primary objectives: to bring women from the two faiths together, to promote female leadership, and to be “active in a wider society.”
“We need to show that Jews and Muslims have more in common than that which drives us apart. Women are genuinely looking for ways to engage with one another, and reach out to do something,” comments Ms. Marks.
