British Muslims extend a friendly hand to Jews

Opposition to growing racism helps bridge a religious divide

Britain's leading Muslim organisation will tomorrow signal a radical shift in its position when one of its senior members addresses a Jewish audience for the first time.

The decision by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) to attend a high-profile debate entitled 'Does more unite Muslims and Jews than divides them?' is being described as 'highly significant' by members of both communities. The move has led to speculation the MCB will drop its controversial opposition to Holocaust Memorial Day.

Inayat Bunglawala, the assistant general secretary of the MCB, who will take part in the debate, said both communities have become concerned at the growing rise of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. 'It is crucial that we do not allow the Israel-Palestine conflict to hamper good and productive relations between Muslims and Jews in the UK,' Bunglawala said.

His comments have been warmly welcomed by members of the Jewish community. 'This debate is a very significant event,' said Nick Viner, chief executive of the Jewish Community Centre, which has sponsored the debate. 'The MCB and the Jewish community haven't seen eye to eye on many issues. I doubt we'll finish up with both sides saying everything is warm and cuddly, but by bringing people together we hope to have an intelligent debate.'

The debate, at the Everyman Cinema in Hampstead, north London, has already caused deep controversy within parts of the Jewish community. The Observer understands that there was initial pressure on the JCC to withdraw Bunglawala's invitation to speak.

But Jeremy Newmark, chief executive of the Jewish Leadership Council, said tomorrow's meeting could turn out to be 'a very important moment'. 'All too often some national Muslim organisations have endangered such co-operation by allowing rhetoric around the Middle East to slide into demonisation and anti-Semitism,' Newmark said. 'We are pleased the assistant secretary general of the MCB has now publicly acknowledged this and look forward to hearing him expand on how his organisation intends to tackle this problem.'

The MCB has been stung by criticism that it has not done enough to reach out to other faiths. Ruth Kelly, the communities secretary, highlighted the MCB's refusal to take part in Holocaust Memorial Day as a cause for concern. 'I can't help wondering why those in leadership positions who say they want to achieve religious tolerance and a cohesive society would choose to boycott an event that marks, above all, our common humanity and respect for each other,' Kelly said.

Rabbi Julia Neuberger, who will be attending the event, said that it was time for Jews and Muslims to acknowledge their similarities. 'I have always felt Jews and Muslims are much more like each other than Christians in the way they approach their faith,' Neuberger said. 'To Jews and Muslims, their faith is much more a way of life.'

Observer