Islam and Anti-Semitism A Conflicting Set of Stories

REL-222-01 11 Nov 2013 Islam and Anti-Semitism: A Conflicting Set of Histories History provides us with few disputes as entangled as Jewish-Muslim relations. Though it was not always such a pervasive problem, it has compiled into one of the most divisive, exclusive, and problematic debates of the current era. Countless scholars have attempted to interpret the Muslim outlook towards the Jewish people. Islamic anti-Semitism is one of the greatest oversimplified nuances of the modern Middle East and of Islamic theology. The mere mentioning of Islam in conjunction with anti-Semitism, can act as a prism through which passes widely varying opinions, histories, and myopias. It can be argued that it is a dire imperative that must be†¦show more content†¦In his work Islam and Islamism Tibi Bassam agrees with Lewis that Judeophobia existed throughout the history of Islam, but was greatly modified in more recent times. He believes that the more genocidal form of anti-Semitism was a German creation and that Islamic form was much more harmless (prior to the twent ieth century). Bassam states that the Islamic world did not see a more radical anti-Semitism until the 1930s (by Arab nationalists, not Islamists specifically per se). He does concede however, that the current form of Islamic anti-Semitism is a dangerous phenomenon. It should be noted that Bassam believes Islam is inherently free as a culture and faith of this hatred, but it â€Å"is a basic feature of contemporary Islamism.† Another argument against true nature of Islamic Anti-Semitism comes from Bernard Lewis. Lewis contends that early Islamic Anti-Semitism was mostly harmless. He asserts that while Muslim populations have perpetuated derogatory Jewish stereotypes throughout much of the history of Islam, things did not escalate until more recent times. In comparison to anti-Semitism exacted by European Christians, Muslims lived not in fear of the Jews, but made a mockery of them. Lewis believes that Islamic anti-Semitism did not become aggravated until the 19th century. If this is the case, then were theseShow MoreRelated Israel and Terrorism Essay5164 Words   |  21 Pagescultural motivations. PA Stereotypes and Dehumanizes Jews and Israelis The PA attempts to educate all members of its society, including young children, that Jews are inherently evil and the enemies of Muslims. Schoolbooks in PA run schools make anti-Semitic and provocative references throughout lessons. The following sentences are taken from schoolbooks sanctioned by the PA and in use in Palestinian schools today: â€Å"‘One must beware of the Jews, for they are treacherous and disloyal.’ [IslamicRead MoreCoco Cola18335 Words   |  74 PagesIndian  environmental activist  Vandana Shiva  has stated that it takes nine litres of clean water to manufacture a litre of Coke[22]  though Coca-Cola says it is only an average of 3.12 litres.[23] The case has been appealed and a decision is pending. Coca-Cola has set up a page to rebut these charges at  a domain  that was once owned by its detractors. India[edit] Coca-Cola s operations in  India  have come under intense scrutiny as many communities are experiencing severe water shortages as well as contaminated groundwaterRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesby Susan Porter Benson, Stephen Brier, and Roy Rosenzweig Also in this series: Paula Hamilton and Linda Shopes, eds., Oral History and Public Memories Tiffany Ruby Patterson, Zora Neale Hurston and a History of Southern Life Lisa M. Fine, The Story of Reo Joe: Work, Kin, and Community in Autotown, U.S.A. Van Gosse and Richard Moser, eds., The World the Sixties Made: Politics and Culture in Recent America Joanne Meyerowitz, ed., History and September 11th John McMillian and Paul Buhle, eds