Society

Dialogue in Germany

An imam and a rabbi tour Berlin schools

Tensions are running high over the conflict in the Middle East. In German schools, as elsewhere, discussions are controversial and emotional. An imam and a rabbi are working together to promote dialogue and understanding in these turbulent times
By Christoph Strack
Israelis and Palestinians: "Standing Together"

"Help us move towards peace"

Since the war in Gaza, the grassroots movement "Standing Together" has become increasingly popular among Israelis and Palestinians. Founding member Itamar Avneri says they are calling for peace and independence for Israelis and Palestinians, absolute equality for all citizens – and true social, economic and environmental justice
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Esra Ozyurek on the German debate

"We must fight anti-Semitism and Islamophobia together"

Germany has long been a role model for the way it deals with Holocaust remembrance. But now this is being used to marginalise minorities, says Turkish ethnologist Esra Ozyurek
By Claudia Mende
Bangladesh's low-wage textile industry

Microcredits – no silver bullet against poverty

While Grameen Bank, the great role model for the microfinance industry, is celebrating its fortieth birthday in 2023, tens of thousands of textile workers in Bangladesh are taking to the streets and striking for better wages
By Dominik Müller
India's pro-Israel shift

Muslims barred from supporting Palestinians

From Western capitals to Muslim states, protest rallies over the Israel-Hamas war have made headlines. But one place known for its vocal pro-Palestinian stance has been conspicuously quiet: Indian-controlled Kashmir
By Aljaz Hussain
Middle East conflict and Germany's culture of remembrance

In solidarity with the marginalised

What needs to happen for Jews to feel safe in Germany? We have to see immigrants as allies in the fight against anti-Semitism. With more foresight in the Middle East conflict, a more precise raison d'etat and an inclusive culture of Holocaust remembrance
By Kristin Helberg
France

Jewish-Muslim group fights rising anti-Semitism

France has seen a surge in anti-Semitic incidents since the start of the Israeli-Hamas conflict. One Jewish-Muslim group near Paris is trying to calm tensions
By Lisa Louis
Germany and the Israel-Hamas war

The need to bridge societal rifts

Reporting deep rifts in German society, representatives of the country's Jewish and Muslim communities attended a round-table meeting called by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to discuss the consequences of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel
By Hans Pfeifer
Egypt's Muslim Brothers

"Who determines the future of the Brotherhood remains unclear"

Since the military coup in Egypt ten years ago, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi's government has cracked down on the country's Muslim Brotherhood. Abdelrahman Ayash talks about the impact of this crisis, and how the organisation has evolved since 2013
By Hannah El-Hitami
Turkey at 100

Polarisation puts democracy in jeopardy

In its 100th anniversary year, the Republic of Turkey is deeply divided. Profound societal rifts are apparent everywhere. Yet there are initiatives working to bring people from different social groups and backgrounds together
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Refugees

Battling public mood, Turkey quietly assimilates Syrians

Mahmud Abdi came to Turkey hoping to return once the bloodshed ebbed. Almost a decade later, the 30-year-old carpenter is looking to open his own workshop in the southeastern Turkish city of Sanliurfa, where a quarter of the two million inhabitants are Syrian
Israel-Palestine conflict

Muslim sceptics, the West and democracy

Events unfolding in the Middle East will have long-term consequences for world politics. Analysing perceptions is crucial to predicting the fallout. So how does the global Muslim community perceive Western governments' support of Israel's siege and aerial bombardment of Gaza?
By Ahmet T. Kuru