“If we can model more of that shared space — Jews and Muslims together — we might combine the end of conflict in Gaza with greater cohesion here at home.”

“The world does not need more noise or rage. It needs more people willing to see past easy narratives, to speak honestly without cruelty, to acknowledge pain without hierarchy, and to seek justice without losing compassion.”

“When we reduce Zionism to a synonym for oppression, or Islam to a code word for fanaticism, we empower extremists who thrive on division” We “believe in human rights & shared humanity”, don’t “deny wrongdoing”, yet “insist that a people, faith or movement cannot be reduced to its worst adherents.”

“A mature society must hold two truths at once: criticism can be legitimate, and prejudice can be deadly.”

Featuring words and work from Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg @rabbisinchief.bsky.social @daverich1.bsky.social @nifuk.bsky.social and World Jewish Relief.

I felt fortunate at the time some years ago to give this talk on doing difference differently, looking at otherness “from the other side”.

I tried to capture lessons learned from my Indian immigrant mother, as well as some ups and downs of being Jewish and queer.

youtu.be/-RukTOHdTbY?...

A simplistic approach that diminishes other experiences of racism can reduce how we embrace diversity - and what should be a shared struggle for equality - to polarising and binary thinking.

As my family of lighter and darker skinned European, Asian and Middle Eastern Jews shows, talk of Jewish people and Black people experiencing racism differently erases existence and experiences of Jews of colour.

Of course people with darker skin experience racism in particular and painful ways.

Those of us with the privilege of distance from this war should speak less, listen more, and follow their lead.

These brave people, the ones facing this violent reality, are capable of far more courage and compassion than those jumping on bandwagons and chanting for death.

Pictures in 1st post show a glimpse of the many inspiring Israelis and Palestinians refusing anger and vengeance.

We should all be much more considered in our language - especially if given a platform or deciding what is broadcast to millions.

I am fortunate to have many Jewish and Palestinian friends and colleagues in Israel, leaders who mobilise thousands to work for a better safer future for both peoples.

Three of my grandparents were tenderly & dutifully looked after by carers from all over the world.

We can have a thoughtful conversation about immigration without insulting immigrants or ignoring the enormous contributions immigrants continue to make each & every day for the benefit of all of us.