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Jonathan Romain

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Jonathan Romain,

Jonathan Romain

Opinion

It's not only conflict between faiths that must be faced

October 7, 2014 14:36
2 min read

David Baddiel's musical - The Infidel - is based on his film of the same name and tells of a Muslim who discovers he is a Jew. That initial shock about his own identity is then compounded by confusion when realising that Jews are transformed from being "the enemy" to being machetonim. His new Jewish relatives undergo a similar emotional somersault.

Baddiel's storyline may be fictional, but the sharp intake of breath is true of many a Jewish household today when a son or daughter tells their parents that they are dating a Muslim. Once upon a time, that would have been unthinkable, but Jewish-Muslim relationships are rising and an increasing number are attending the annual "I'm Jewish, My Partner Isn't" seminars at the Sternberg Centre.

In some ways, it should be no surprise. Intermarriage has been happening for centuries in England, but the rate then accelerated in the 1950s, while estimates today hover at 50 per cent. Until recently, it had to been to Christians, whether religious or nominal, or to those without any faith. However, the latter still came from a Christian cultural background, so issues such as "what to do at Christmas?" may have been difficult, but at least were familiar.

In recent decades, however, many within the Islamic community have been integrating into British society. There might be more burkhas on the streets than before, but there are also a growing number living and working outside Muslim circles. So Jews and Muslims now meet at the office or gym or coffee shop. But if the couples fall in love, will their families feel the same?