World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder welcomed the ‘’heartwarming’’ initiative taken by a group of Norwegian Muslims to form a protective “ring of peace” around a synagogue in Oslo on Saturday in solidarity with European Jews and victims of recent anti-Semitism.
On a Facebook page promoting the event, the group explained its motivations.“Islam is about protecting our brothers and sisters, regardless of which religion they belong to. Islam is about rising above hate and never sinking to the same level as the haters. Islam is about defending each other. Muslims want to show that we deeply deplore all types of hatred of Jews, and that we are there to support them. We will therefore create a human ring around the synagogue on Saturday 21 February. Encourage everyone to come!”
“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,” 17-year-old event organizer Hajrad Arshad said in an interview with the Norwegian television.
“If someone wants to attack the synagogue, they need to step over us first,” posted another of the event’s organizers on Facebook. Some 1,000 people have indicated on Facebook that they will attend.
Ervin Kohn, a leader of Oslo’s tiny Jewish community, had agreed to allowing the event on the condition that more than 30 people show up. A small gathering would make the effort look “counter-productive,” he said.
Ronald Lauder said this ‘’show of goodwill serves as a model for fighting the resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe and reminds us that there are voices of reason in all communities. I call on right-thinking people of all nationalities and faiths to follow this shining example. Unfortunately, there are not enough who are willing to act against hate and terror. Combatting anti-Semitism should be everyone's fight; it should not be the sole responsibility of the Jewish people.”
WJC CEO Robert Singer will visit Oslo within the next two weeks and hopes to meet with the groups involved in this initiative during his visit.