Jonathan Biatch and Charles L. Cohen: Islam is Not the Enemy
[Biatch is a rabbi at Temple Beth El in Madison. Cohen is a professor of history and religious studies and director of the Lubar Institute for the Study of the Abrahamic Religions at UW-Madison.]
This week we observe a unique confluence of days sacred to Jews, Muslims and all Americans.
The convergence of the beginning of the Jewish New Year, the conclusion of the month of Ramadan fasts, and the ninth anniversary of the terror attacks of Sept. 11 compel us to reflect on the current controversies ignited by those who wish to divide Americans on the basis of religion.
We are disgusted by recent attempts in various U.S. cities to intimidate Muslim Americans, people who wish simply to exercise their constitutional rights. Anti-Islam activities in New York City, Murfreesboro, Tenn., Sacramento, Calif. and elsewhere soberly remind us that hatred can fester in any locale....
Read entire article at Wisconsin State Journal
This week we observe a unique confluence of days sacred to Jews, Muslims and all Americans.
The convergence of the beginning of the Jewish New Year, the conclusion of the month of Ramadan fasts, and the ninth anniversary of the terror attacks of Sept. 11 compel us to reflect on the current controversies ignited by those who wish to divide Americans on the basis of religion.
We are disgusted by recent attempts in various U.S. cities to intimidate Muslim Americans, people who wish simply to exercise their constitutional rights. Anti-Islam activities in New York City, Murfreesboro, Tenn., Sacramento, Calif. and elsewhere soberly remind us that hatred can fester in any locale....