'Unconventional' Jewish and Muslim dialogue established in Berlin

'Schalom Aleikum' is a project run by Central Council of Jews in Germany, aiming to break down stereotypes and prevent antisemitism and islamophobia.

Jewish and Muslim entrepreneurs have met in Berlin to launch “an unconventional Jewish-Muslim dialogue.”

Dubbed Schalom Aleikum: Jewish-Muslim Dialogue, the project of the Central Council of Jews in Germany — the country’s EJC affiliate — began with young business leaders having an open exchange on the issue of cultural identity and the job market. The German TV journalist Shakuntala Banerjee served as the moderator.

Central Council President Dr Josef Schuster said the project aimed to break down stereotypes and prevent antisemitism and islamophobia.

The nationwide project has the support of Minister of State Annette Widmann-Mauz, who heads Germany’s Federal Commission for Migration, Refugees and Integration. The first year’s events have been funded by the government with 1.2 million euros and will encompass various dialogue formats nationwide.

Additional Jewish-Muslim dialogue forums are planned for the coming months with teachers, athletes, students, seniors and women’s groups, the Central Council’s managing director, Daniel Botmann, said.