International Shia News Agency

Islam in Action – Muslims stand in protection of Jews in Oslo

SHAFAQNA – On February 21, a week after an armed man decided to indiscriminately target Jews outside a Synagogue in Oslo, Norway, a group of Muslims plans to offer protection to  Jewish worshippers.

Muslim volunteers confirmed they will organize a “peace ring” around Oslo synagogue in an unprecedented show of solidarity and interfaith cooperation this Saturday.

Jajrad Arshad, the group’s organizer told Shafaqna in exclusive comments, “We think that after the terrorist attacks in Copenhagen, it is the perfect time for us, Muslims, to distance ourselves from the harassment of Jews that is happening and prove the world Islam means peace, compassion and tolerance.”

Ervin Kohn, the leader of Oslo’s Jewish community, said he welcomed the group’s initiative.

 

“What they are communicating is that if anyone wants to do anything against Jews in Norway, ‘they have to go through us first,’ and I think that is very positive,” Kohn told the local press on Thursday.

Abdullah T. Antepli, chief representative of Muslim affairs at Duke University, told local press that although he would not be able to attend the event personally he offered his support to such a generous cause.

“These kinds of symbolic events are a good start, modest steps towards the right direction. I pray many more substantial steps will take place to improve Jewish Muslim relations globally,” he said.

Over 1,500 people already pledged they would partake in the event this Saturday.

www.shafaqna.com

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