This is how it should be done!
I just finished reading an uplifting article in the online edition of Dagbladet - one of the major tabloids published in Norway.
This coming Saturday, young Muslims in Oslo will form a protective ring around the Synagogue in Oslo during the services.
"We want to kill the prejudices that people have against Jews and Muslims. We want to show what our religion says." These are the words of Hajrah Arshad - one of those behind the initiative. He continues: "It is important that it is not a certain group of Muslims that speak on behalf of all, so that they have the power to define [the dialogue]. It is important to show that we distance ourselves from the hate that Jews face daily."
"Everyone is welcome, but it is Muslims that will form the symbolic ring around the Synagogue. This is to show, symbolically, that Muslims distance themselves from harassment of Jews," according to another organizer - Ali Chisti.
"We are very positive to this initiative and think it is great," says Head Rabbi Ervin Kohn of the Mosaic Congregation [of Norway].
A Facebook-group has been formed, and hundreds have already confirmed their participation. Ring of Peace:
"Islam is to protect our brothers and sisters regardless of their religious belonging. Islam is to rise above the hate and never to descend to the same level as the haters. Islam is to defend each other.
Muslims want to show that we strongly distance ourselves from all kinds of hatred for Jews, and that we are there to support them. We will therefore form a human ring around the Synagogue on Saturday, February 21st.
Everyone is encouraged to come!
Remember;
Together we make a difference! You and I."
Way to go! What a great response to the horrors that recently took place in Copenhagen. If only there were more initiatives like this!
All translations by the author of this diary; any errors are my responsibility.