Salaam-Schalom Initiative
Salaam-Schalom is an intercultural activist initiative, which was established in December 2013 by Berliner Jews and Muslims. It stands for a peaceful co-existence and solidarity, and promotes these aims by implementing various interventions and projects which raise awareness to social and institutional exclusions in mainstream German society.[1]
Activities
The initiative organizes regularly open discussion rounds, panel discussions, and workshops.[2] Activists of the group formed in Summer 2014, during the Gaza conflict, a human chain against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and to demonstrate the importance of unity.[3] In July 2015, the group organized a solidarity demonstration with women who cover their hair. The group demanded equal opportunities for women with headcoverings.[4]
Reception
The Salaam-Schalom Initiative has received extensive media coverage in Germany, and in August 2014, members of the group were invited to a meeting with German President Joachim Gauck. In October 2014, the First Lady of Germany, Daniela Schadt visited the group in the neighborhood of Neukölln in Berlin.[5] In April 2015, the group was awarded with the Ribbon for Courage and Reconciliation by Berlin Governing Mayor Michael Müller.[6]
References
- ^ "Regarding NPR Berlin".
- ^ "Germany racism".
- ^ "The Salaam-Shalom Initiative: Breaking down artificial walls - Qantara.de". 23 January 2015.
- ^ "Muslim-Jewish Group Organizes Rally for Equal Employment Opportunities". HuffPost. 20 July 2015.
- ^ "In Berlin, Jews and Muslims Fight for Each Other". 2 December 2014.
- ^ ""Band für Mut und Verständigung 2015" verliehen".
External links
- Salaam-Schalom Initiative (official website, in German)
- Salaam-Schalom Initiative on Facebook