piece not peace! end!

gilad shalit? this is what you call peace?

The article says: "Participants hailed from diverse countries including Pakistan, India, Lebanon, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Nigeria, Austria, Germany, Poland, France, Canada and the United States." I would like to know how many from each country attended. For instance, how many Jews came from Pakistan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt or Nigeria? I also wonder if Pakistan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt or Nigeria would be interested in hosting the next such conference, and if not, why not.

Pls. post? We all know the reality of the world. But if we condemn each and every effort to connect with the other side, with an automatic and knee jerk reaction, there is no hope. These people volunteered to be at the meeting, but could not choose who else from their countries could go. They have no power in the world, no control of anything. Please don't condemn them for that, and don't dash any hope before it begins. We condemn the PA, Hamas and Hezbollah for the “education” they give their children in killing Jews. Why condemn this out of hand when it shows the opposite intent?

I am sure Poland, canada and America are the real sources of the jews participants So did the Muslim Participants Tell them that they should Free Palestine First so that Real negotiation will happen.

The "Pals" problems are of their own making. Given that the ”Palestinians” refuse to halt all demands from Israel once a peace deal is signed, and oppose demands to recognize Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people as well as to modify their education to cease all enmity towards the state, why should Israel do anything?! What kind of peace can you see with these statements of the "Pals"? Answer: None. They first have to get real.

used to be friends and get alongwith one another. i am not sure why this all had to change, brainwashing from leaders in hte muslim world got more right wing and decided not to want to tolerate anyone else's right to exisit. this is all wishful thinking but even as they want peace, as they age their agenda will change

This has been going on for decades and as they say in Yiddish "Goornisht helfen" Palestinian media would make Goebbals blush with embarassment. it so grossly antisemitic. The Palestinians have as someone said become professiaonl refugees. Their whole economy is based on handouts and they will not go to the UN if the US stops the flow of money to them. Until they educate themselves that their future depends on doing business with Israel teen age dialogues are useless

Jews were dhimmis when Muslims had power (most of the time); when Muslims did not have power, Jews were tolerated until the time when they were slaughtered. Please learn some history.

Muslims and Jews: a historical perspective that reveals surprises Once upon a time, a widely circulated Jewish document described Islam as "an act of God's Mercy". Also, Jews in the near East, north Africa and Spain threw their support behind advancing Muslim Arab armies. No, these aren't fairy tales or propaganda. The relationship between Muslims and Jews really was that cooperative and marked by peaceful coexistence. Just ask Khalid Siddiqi of the Islamic Education and Information Center in San Jose, California where he also teaches Islamic Studies and Arabic at Chabot College and Ohlone College. Siddiqi notes that the first quote above is from S. D. Goitein's book Jews and Arabs. The second is from Merlin Swartz's 'The Position of Jews in Arab lands following the rise of Islam' (reprinted from The Muslim World. Hartford Seminary Foundation LXI1970). Swartz also says the Muslim Arab conquest marked the dawn of a new era. Those forces that had led to the progressive isolation and disruption of Jewish life were not only checked they were dramatically reversed. In an interview with Sound Vision, Siddiqi gave numerous examples of Jews flourishing under Muslim rule in places like Spain, Morocco, North African in general and various parts of the Middle East. Siddiqi points out that Islam as a religion has given specific guidelines for the followers of Islam to base their relationship with any non-Muslim. These include People of Scripture, like the Jews, people who belong to other religions, and even atheists. Non-Muslims must be treated on the basis of Birr (kindness) and Qist (justice), as referred to Surah 60 verse 8 of the Quran. It started at the time of the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) The peaceful coexistence of Muslims and Jews began at the time of the Prophet. Siddiqi notes that the Jews welcomed the Prophet when he arrived in Madinah at the time of Hijrah (migration), along with the rest of the city's inhabitants. But the Prophet had begun the step towards good relations with Jewish and other communities in Madinah even before getting there. After receiving an invitation to Madinah from one of the city's tribes that had accepted Islam, the Prophet signed treaties with the city's Jewish, Christian and polytheist tribes before he arrived there. These treaties clearly laid out responsibilities of each of the parties. It was based on these that the Prophet established the Mithaq al Madinah, the constitution of Madinah. Siddiqi says this was the first constitution of the world and one of the greatest political documents ever prepared by any human being. It is the oldest surviving constitution of any state. Under this constitution, any Jew who followed the Muslims was entitled to their assistance and the same rights as anyone of them without any injustice or partisanship. It said the Jews are an Ummah (community of believers) alongside the Muslims. The Jews have their religion and the Muslims theirs. As well, it noted that each will assist one another against any violation of this covenant. Jews during the Muslim era Despite this early breach of contract, there are still numerous examples from Muslim history of Muslim-Jewish cooperation and coexistence. Siddiqi gave examples of how Muslim Spain, which was a "golden era" of creativity and advancement for Muslims was also one for Jews. While Europe was in its Dark Ages and Jews were reviled there, Muslims in Spain during the same period worked side by side with Jews in developing literature, science and art. Together, they translated classical Greek texts into Arabic. This task later helped Europe move out of the Dark Ages and into the Renaissance. Jews flourished under Muslim rule in Egypt as well, where they achieved very high positions in government

Your "history" is a mixture of some truth, some exaggeration and much fantasy. 1. The Jews of Morocco joined the Berbers to fight against the Muslim invaders. They usually joined the local resistance and did not welcome the Muslims, with their generous “convert or be killed” philosophy. 2. Later on, the Rambam lived in Morocco as he had to escape the Muslim invaders in Spain. There is more; maybe you should read other sources instead of listening to only one person.

to # 11, so maybe it was not perfect and maybe for a little while only but there was some friendship at some point with muslims and jews. i am trying to look on the good side like the article reads about some people in the world are trying to do something to get along, but evidently people like you always want to look on the negative side, so i feel for ya solly

"so maybe it was not perfect and maybe for a little while only " Your post doesn't reflect this feeling. It is therefore a gross exaggeration.

time in order to witness what exactly went on bwteen we jews and muslims nor do i know what kind of professor or authority you are but regards to this article, you seem kind of down Mr Know it all.

As usual, you accuse others of doing what you yourself are guilty of. You base your premise on the writings of one person only, state it is the truth, (but then admit that "maybe it was not perfect and maybe for a little while only "). I am not a professor. I DO read much history written my many people. Neither of us were around during the time of which you speak. Yet YOU are the one who wants to be accepted as Mr. Know It All; based on one person's "history" which you then admit that was not perfect and for a little while only. Sorry; it doesn't wash.

Avoiding the topic? Thanks for proving my point; END