The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester
23 June 2024
The 1988 publication of Salman Rushdie's novel "The Satanic Verses" was followed by major protests by Muslims in the UK and many foreign countries, and by Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issuing a fatwa (Arabic for an Islamic legal opinion) that Rushdie should be killed. The novel was controversial and upset many Muslims because it made a mockery of their religion.
One little known aspect of the affair is the impact it had on Muslim Jewish relations in the UK.
Robert Kanter is Lecturer in History Education Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and is writing a PhD thesis on "A History of Jewish-Muslim relations in Britain, c1900-1990." As part of this, he has been researching how leading British Muslims and Jews communicated with each other about the Rushdie affair at the height of the controversy, including the role of the Chief Rabbi Lord Jakobovits and the impact of his actions and responses.
On Sunday 23 June he shared his findings in a presentation for the Forum which was delivered over Zoom. It was recorded and can be watched below.
Graham Gordon, who is Jewish said:
"I really enjoyed Rob's talk. Excellently delivered, very interesting and very informative."
Anne Isaac, who is Muslim, said:
“The talk was very interesting as it allowed us to see how an event brought by Salman Rushdie's book actually gave the opportunity to bring better relations between Muslims and Jews, by highlighting events and situations each religion may have known. It gave a unique chance to bridge relations from an unfortunate publication.”
Follow @MJF_Manchester
The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish Communities of Greater Manchester