TORONTO — Jews and Muslims around the world are reeling from the escalating violence that is distorting the teaching of both our faith communities. Once again we find ourselves condemning a brutal act of violence in the Holy Land. Once again we see Jews and Muslims struggling to come to grips with events occurring half a world away, yet impacting us in Canada as if these were taking place in our own places of worships. In this emotionally charged atmosphere, opinions are polarized and feelings are raw. Jews call it a massacre and put the blame squarely on the shoulders of Palestinians and Muslim religious extremists. Muslims link this horrific attack to occupation, illegal settlements, demolition of homes, social injustice, inequalities and loss of hope and dignity. As violence escalates, so does anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Both groups feel increasingly vulnerable, criticized and under attack. At this time, Jews and Muslims of goodwill who hope for a peaceful and secure world for our children and grandchildren need to stand together against hate-mongering and extremism – and call for mutual respect and non-violence. We strongly believe that to combat the scourges of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, we have to address the sources of tension and then try to do something about them. We must be open to difficult conversations within and between our communities to understand what fuels extremism ...      Read more