OPINION: Alaska's Muslim and Jewish communities stand together against hatred

Over the past couple of decades there have been many adversities faced by both the Muslim and Jewish communities in Anchorage. Because of these adversities, many bridges were built between the various communities, including the interfaith community. We are able to appreciate the humanity that binds us together, and it is vital that this humanity is not forgotten.

The diversity we have in Anchorage is beautiful, and it is our strength. It can serve as an example to other communities who struggle with bigotry and hate. The communities of Congregation Beth Sholom and Islamic Community Center of Anchorage have a deep bond — we have mutual respect and genuine affection for each other. Despite current world events, we have always supported each other in times of need. When there is an antisemitic attack, Anchorage Muslims come to Beth Sholom in solidarity. When there is an anti-Islamic attack, Anchorage Jews come to the mosque for support.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has been a flash point for so many people. For the Jewish community, many Jews believe that Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish homeland, and many Jews also abhor violence of any kind. Within this conflict these values clash. The terrorist attacks on Oct. 7 against innocent Israelis are abhorrent. And the death of over 17,000 innocent Palestinians is also abhorrent. There was a glimmer of hope that the conflict was coming to an end with a ceasefire to exchange hostages, but that glimmer died with the end of the ceasefire. We are plunged back into a historic and complex conflict in which even its start is a source of disagreement.

Many Palestinians and supporters of Palestine hold views and values that mirror those of many Jews. The desire for peace and abhorrence of violence is what drives Palestinians as well. October 7 was a shock to everyone. Many people, on both sides, have very conflicting emotions concerning the events of that day, and the aftermath that has followed. It is not black and white, and it is not simple. Most Palestinians support resistance to the occupation. On the other hand, many cannot condone violence against innocent people. Our hearts break for every innocent Israeli who lost their life on October 7, and they break equally for each innocent Palestinian who has lost their life since. One life is not more or less precious than the other.

While many people have lots to say about this conflict, and spirited debate is a time-honored tradition in our country, we would like Alaskans to consider the damage that occurs when these conversations go too far. This conflict has drastically increased Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism right here in the United States. The ecosystem of hate is its own historic and complex problem in our country. Charged rhetoric generated by the Israel-Hamas war in social media and news coverage has escalated hate against Jews, Muslims, and Arabs. There are those whose violent views had previously been restrained by a society that does not tolerate hateful expressions in public. We rely on common courtesy and human decency to carry on with our lives without fear of being targeted due to our religion. The rhetoric around the Hamas-Israel war has eroded both common courtesy and human decency.

Misinformation, overzealous rhetoric and fear-mongering in public discourse have energized and enabled violent individuals. Certain people have become so hardened that they no longer even see Jews or Muslims as human beings. Both Muslims and Jews are terrified of finding themself in a situation with these people, where these violent individuals feel they can act out their hate in public. So while we discuss how best to support both Palestinians and Israelis during their time of need, we encourage you to recognize that your words may have a power far beyond their intent.

Again in a time of adversity, Anchorage Jews and Muslims have come together in solidarity to ask the general population for civility and kindness. Hatred and violence against innocent people can never be justified. It does not make the world a better place. What does make the world a better place is upholding the virtues of peace, kindness and compassion, and supporting communities in need.

This commentary was jointly authored by Heather Barbour of the Islamic Community Center of Anchorage and Rabbi Abram Goodstein of Congregation Beth Sholom.

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