A group of Jews and Muslims want to organize a large peace conference in Amsterdam on short notice. Their aim is to collaboratively battle the growing antisemitism and Muslim hatred. This is the result of a visit of Jews, Muslims, and Christians from Paris, Brussel, London, and Oslo the past few days to the Dutch capital at the invitation of the friendship society Salaam-Shalom.
The exact date of the conference is not decided on yet. But it was agreed upon that from every city 25 youths and 25 adults from Jewish and Muslim background will attend. In addition every city will delegate an imam, rabbi, and pastor. Berlin and Copenhagen will also be involved, a spokesperson of Salaam-Shalom said. “These people should become ambassadors for the message of peace we want to disseminate. For example, by visiting schools or neighborhoods and to let children get acquainted with Judaism and Islam”.
The initiators have called for the support of the mayors of Paris and Amsterdam for the organization of the conference. In addition every month there should be a march of peace in a different city, the delegations have decided. “We want to start some kind of movement”, the spokesperson said. Salaam-Shalom came into existence last year and brings together Muslims and Jews. Since the attacks in Paris the necessity to work together and do something about antisemitism and Muslim hatred has grown, they believe.