Bridging the Divide: How Muslim and Jewish Fifth-Graders Are Fostering Understanding

As parents of three Jewish school-aged children, my wife Annie Levenson Hoffnung and I find ourselves discussing issues related to antisemitism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on a nearly daily basis. Our 15-year-old daughter has reported numerous incidents of anti-Israel and antisemitic graffiti in her public school, while our boys, both of whom wear kippot (Jewish head coverings), have voiced concerns about being identified as Jewish in public. They have also witnessed increased security in their Jewish day school and at our synagogue since the horrific events of October 7th.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending an event that offered a glimmer of hope amid the alarming increase in antisemitic incidents in the United States. Our fifth-grade son participated in the Islamic-Jewish Exchange ? (also known as the Interfaith Living Museum Program ), a groundbreaking year-long initiative in New York City that brings together students from Kinneret Day School , a Jewish school in the Bronx, and Al-Ihsan Academy , an Islamic school in Queens. The program, now in its nineteenth year, aims to foster cultural exploration, open dialogue, combat prejudice, and nurture friendship between the two communities.

During the captivating closing event held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in Lower Manhattan, Jewish and Muslim students engaged in discussions and shared their rich cultural traditions with one another. With pride and enthusiasm, they displayed meaningful artifacts such as ornate Qurans, intricately woven prayer rugs, shimmering kiddush cups used for Shabbat blessings over wine, and majestic shofars blown during the Jewish High Holidays. Each student eagerly explained the significance behind their chosen item, sharing personal stories about the history and meaning of the artifact within their own family, allowing their peers a glimpse into the depth and beauty of their respective heritages.

Over a meal that adhered to both kosher and halal dietary restrictions, the children discovered common values and interests, from cherished family customs to their favorite sports teams. The budding friendships were evident as some students enthusiastically exchanged WhatsApp numbers, promising to stay in touch and continue learning from one another beyond the confines of the program.

These profound connections between Muslims and Jews are deeply rooted in our shared Abrahamic heritage. Both faiths trace their ancestry to the biblical figure known as Abraham in Jewish texts and Ibrahim in Islamic tradition. While the complex history of Muslim-Jewish relations has been marked by periods of conflict, there have also been inspiring eras of peace, collaboration, and cultural exchange that serve as beacons of hope. From the Golden Age of Jews in Muslim Spain , where luminaries like Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides) flourished under Islamic rule, to the thriving Jewish communities in Ottoman lands , these remarkable moments of coexistence remind us of the commonalities between our two peoples. They also can provide us with some hope during these dark times.?

Watching these fifth-graders interact, I realized that they have much to teach us about working together. They focused on their similarities, celebrated their differences, and worked to explain their unique traditions to one another.?

Next time our family gathers at the kitchen table to discuss the latest news from the Middle East, I will make a point not only to explain the current challenges but also to share with my children the many examples of Jewish-Muslim cooperation throughout history and even current ones from Israel.

Take the story of Jamal Warraqi , a Muslim Israeli Arab who works with Zaka, a non-governmental rescue and recovery service with Jewish, Christian, Druze, and Muslim volunteers. Warraqi was among the first to reach Kibbutz Be’eri after the October 7th attack. His harrowing experience of witnessing the brutal aftermath has only strengthened his resolve to stop hatred and promote coexistence. He emphasizes that the violence he saw has nothing to do with Islam and underscores the importance of human beings learning to live together.

While some might argue that stories like Warraqi's are mere exceptions to the rule, a closer look reveals that they are part of a larger tapestry of Muslim-Jewish cooperation that often goes unnoticed. These stories may not always make headlines, but they are far from isolated incidents. Just as we, in the Jewish community, recognize the "Righteous Among the Nations " who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust, we ought to also recognize and celebrate the everyday heroes like Jamal Warraqi. By shining a light on these inspiring examples of cooperation and courage, we can encourage more people to follow in their footsteps.

The next time your find yourself discussing the current events in the Middle East, I encourage you to make a conscious effort to include stories of Muslim-Jewish cooperation alongside the current challenges.

Share the inspiring example of Jamal Warraqi and his work with Zaka, and discuss the rich history of coexistence between our two faiths. By engaging in these broader conversations, we can help our children develop a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between Muslims and Jews, while fostering a sense of hope and empowering them to become agents of positive change.

Let us commit to ensuring that the seeds of understanding, respect, and collaboration are planted and nurtured within the hearts and minds of the next generation. Together, through open and honest dialogue, we can help shape a future where initiatives like the Islamic-Jewish Exchange become the norm rather than the exception.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this essay are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the author's employer or any organization with which the author is affiliated.