Writing by Dr. Dannielle Blumenthal

This post examines Jews & Muslims from the perspective that we are naturally brothers and sisters, not enemies.

“His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him [our forefather Abraham) in the cave of Machpelah, near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.” – Genesis 25:9

We must return to the spirit of reconciliation that took place millennia ago.

We share underlying fundamental beliefs.

• “Who is strong? He who conquers his own impulses.” – Ben Zoma quoted in Pirkei Avot 4:1 (Ethics of the Fathers)
• What is Jihad in Islam? The internal struggle against one’s own ego, selfish desires, and sinful impulses.

We share Patriotism.

• Muslims have served in every major American conflict, dating back to the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.
• Between 600 – 1,000 Arab Muslims VOLUNTEER for the IDF each year. They are not legally required to serve in the IDF; their service is entirely voluntary.

Self-Help Ethis

Jews and Muslims alike tend to form community associations to avoid dependency on the state.

Good Neighbors

These community associations offer outreach to the wider world. Jewish and Islamic law alike emphasize the contribution one is required to make to the common good.

The Law of the Land

Jewish and Islamic jurisprudence alike dictate that we must follow the laws of the land in which we reside, provided we are not forced to violate their fundamental religious practices.

Halacha and Sharia

Our laws are personal moral codes—rules for how to pray, how to eat (kosher/halal), how to treat parents, and so on.

Why Are Certain Passages In The Religious Books Concerning?

They must be taken in historical context and not viewed as a roadmap.

What About Historical Actions?

All people and nations sin and make mistakes. The Bible contains a laundry list of them.

Stereotypes Lie

The VAST majority of Muslims do not believe they have to “take over” the country.

Jews are high achievers, we aren’t looking to control the USA.

So What About The Radicals?

There are terrorists who hide behind an angry, weaponized, radical and inhumane version of Islam. They are frauds.

There is Jewish extremism. We need to recognize it for what it is and vocally reject it.

Who Owns God’s Love?

God loves everyone. People who claim their group is somehow higher or more preferred to other groups are insecure and weak.

The Torah was offered to every single nation in the world. It happened that the Jews accepted it.

True Vision

When the Messiah arrives, we will see even more clearly how our destiny is to know and study the ways of God as a collection of human beings aka the “human race,” all descended from Adam and Eve.

Written with the help of AI.