Jewish Community News

News: November 2007

Local Jewish and Muslim students create art on
Coexistence

By Diane Fisher and Maha ElGenaidi

 At 2:15 p.m. at the Silicon Valley Academy on a recent Wednesday, a Muslim school in Sunnyvale, all middle school students are engaged in art.  The assignment? Art on the theme of coexistence.  Earlier, in their language arts class, class discussion focused on this text from the Qur’an: “And among the signs of G-d is the constitution of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and colors; surely there are signs in that for those who know” 30:22. 
     The students talked about how human difference is part of human nature; they talked about how their growth is dependent on engaging with diverse people; they learned about a Jewish school that, just like them, is studying about coexistence.
    Some ten miles away, middle school students at Yavneh Day School are also exploring concepts of peace and coexistence in their Judaica and art classes.  After first unpacking the complex terms ‘reconciliation,’ ‘inner-peace’ and ‘coexistence,’ students are discussing these concepts from the texts of the Qur’an and Torah.  They are listening to the chanting of the Qur’an, and making connections with their own experiences of chanting and studying Torah.  Guided by the art teacher, the students are also exploring their thoughts and feelings on coexistence, Judaism and Islam through artistic expression. Nearby, students at Congregation Shir Hadash’s Hebrew High have also created artwork, after considering Torah texts and listening to each others´ perspectives.
    Both the Muslim and Jewish students are part of a special project co-sponsored by the Addison-Penzak JCC, the Jewish Community Relations Council and Islamic Networks Group.  The project was inspired by an art  exhibit currently on display at the APJCC from the Museum on the Seam in Jerusalem, containing simple, insightful graphics on the meaning of coexistence, submitted by artists from around the world.  The website www.coexistence.art.museum contains images and further information on the exhibit.   
   While imams and rabbis have addressed groups of students in the past, this project provides a unique opportunity for students to interact and learn from each other. 
     On Tuesday, November 27, the students and their parents will join together for an evening of art and cultural exchange that Islamic Networks Group and JCRC have been planning for months. 
    The dynamic event includes music by the middle eastern band, Dror Sinai Trio, keynote presentations and slideshows by artists Amy Trachtenberg and Youssef Ismail, and of course, a generous offering of middle eastern food.  Approximately 80 pieces of student art will be hung on the walls of the JCC, alongside the 42 museum pieces.  Imam Tahir Anwar and Rabbi Dana Magat will lead a discussion with parents, while experienced Muslim and Jewish facilitators will guide the students in activities and discussion.
   The planning of this cross-cultural project has already begun a promising relationship between Muslim and Jewish teachers and community relations leaders. The hope is that this project will be the first of on-going opportunities for our communities to build bridges of understanding and support between each other.