Muslims, Jews fill Cape synagogue with faith

Share this article: Share Tweet Share Share Share Email Share

Cape Town - Cape Town Muslims made history when they performed Maghrib, the sunset prayer, inside a synagogue in Wynberg as part of an interfaith gathering. About 20 Muslims prayed in the centre of the full Temple Israel Synagogue, with Jews seated on encircling benches. Taj Hargey, leader of the Open Mosque in Wynberg who led the prayer, said the initiative aimed to foster interfaith dialogue. “This sends a powerful message of solidarity and mutual respect worldwide. Cape Town has made history,” he said, adding they had made interfaith dialogue and harmony an objective of their mosque since starting 18 months ago. Naeem Ahmed, one of the Muslims who prayed at the synagogue on Friday night, said he was “always interested in other religions”.

“I always go to different places. My wife’s colleague invited her to the synagogue,” he said.

“I’m not going against my religion by coming here. We need more interfaith efforts. This is how we can resolve issues, not by dropping bombs.”

Alvin Kushner, national chairman of the South African Union for Progressive Judaism, was also at the gathering. Kushner said Orthodox Jews would likely condemn the praying of Muslims in a synagogue.

“The Orthodox community would find this disturbing. But about one in every five Jews in Cape Town is progressive,” said Kushner. “Jews and Muslims were very close 50 to 60 years ago. The Palestine-Israel situation has fuelled a lot of stress between these two groups. This shows that people can rise above differences.”

He added: “This was a pioneering experience because of all the issues and conflicts.”

David Lipschitz, who worships at the synagogue, said Jews were meant to “welcome strangers” into their temples.

He added: “I’m from Cape Town and it’s the first time I’ve prayed with Muslims.”

After the Muslims prayed, the Jewish congregation followed with a service led by Rabbi Greg Alexander.

[email protected]

Weekend Argus