It’s not easy to talk about religion. Discussion on
Jewish-Muslim relations proves even more challenging. However, on
Jan. 26, the Muslim Student Associ-ation will kick-off Islam
Aware-ness Week, a time dedicated to celebrating and heightening
awareness surrounding Muslim culture, as well as shedding harmful
stereotypes latched onto the Islamic community. As a Jew,
I’ve payed special attention to the tension between Muslims
and Jews, both on and off campus. Often having an uneasy
relationship, the two groups tend to avoid fostering friendships
with one another.
In the past, people have branded me “anti-Islam.”
This is not due to any words I’ve said, organizations
I’ve joined, or actions I’ve taken. Rather, this
assumption is cast simply because of my Jewish background.
Jews and Muslims and live within separate spheres. Rarely
encouraged to interact with one another, both groups keep a safe,
non-threatening distance from the other. This is often because they
fear being seen as representatives of their “side” in
the conflict ““ as opposed to being regarded as
individuals.
Consequently, establishing Jewish-Muslim bonds is not always
seen as an option ““ it is contrary to all that has been
taught and assumed.
Sometimes, Jews and Muslims aren’t as different as they
imagine. For example, my background isn’t simply
“Jewish” ““ it is also Mediterranean. My family is
expressive, affectionate and, at times, overbearing. This culture
has always been a part of my life ““ and will continue to be
so. And, because many Muslim families also share this common quirky
bond, it becomes a potential basis for cultural unity.
In November 2003, the Daily Bruin ran a series of reports on
Jewish-Muslim relations on campus. In the article “Does open
discussion really exist at UCLA?” (News, Nov. 3, 2003) it was
reported that UCLA does not host any organizations based on
discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, unlike many other
universities.
Two years ago, then-president of the Jewish Student Union,
Justin Levi, tried to establish a group named Bruins for Middle
East Dialogue. He made clear that UCLA could not solve the problems
in the Middle East, but should simply strive to create a better
campus environment that supports open dialogue. Student groups,
however, failed to cooperate with Bruins for Middle East Dialogue,
and the group soon disbanded.
Professor David Myers teaches Jewish studies and serves as vice
chairman of the history department at UCLA. He told The Bruin,
“There is a failure of leadership from all involved. We need
courageous students on both sides to stand up and say they want to
talk to each other, but we are in an environment that requires a
lot of courage to stand up.”
Andy Green, a second-year economics student, and Adam Greenwalk,
a second-year history student, have decided to take action. The two
recently established the group, “Shalom-Asalaam,” which
means “peace” in Hebrew and Arabic, respectively.
Focusing on Middle-Eastern issues and conflicts, the group will
strive to grant both Muslims and Jews the opportunity to, as Myers
explained, “recognize their shared humanity,” Green
said the group may become active this quarter. “Right now
this is something that is missing on campus, and we want to fill
that void,” he said. People like Green and Myers play an
important leadership role.
On this campus, there is no place for Jewish-Muslim antagonism.
Both Jews and Muslims need to cast aside their prejudices to find
mutual respect in the university’s broad and diverse range of
cultures. Social interaction between Jews and Muslims is not
impossible ““ it is entirely feasible. If both notice each
other as people, before they see the “Muslim” or the
“Jew,” then the perceived “enemy” may
become a friend instead.
Understandably, this goal is no easy one. But, for this reason,
MSA has taken the initiative to organize Islam Awareness Week. On
Jan. 26, the group will host the week’s opening dinner. All
Bruins ““ no matter their faith ““ are encouraged to
attend.
This week we must all recognize our potential for religious
unity. As a hub of intellectual engagement, personal growth and
social development, UCLA must continually embrace all cultural
differences. Perhaps, then, friendship may be deemed more than a
novelty, and many of us may become more than representatives to the
“other” side. When we simply crave a genuine,
good-natured friend, one’s “side” means very
little.
Fried is a first-year history student. E-mail her at
ifried@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to
viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.