What inspired you to write this fascinating history of Jews in Muslim lands? I became interested in writing about the story of Jews living in Arab and Muslim lands as a result of my meetings, over the past quarter of a century, with Jews who had been born in Arab and Muslim lands, spoke Arabic, and had fond memories of their early life and friendships with their Muslim neighbours. I wanted to offset the often harsh history – which at times could be very harsh indeed – with the good times, and the peaceful and constructive coexistence of two peoples who had a common ancestor, Abraham. Will your book promote a deeper understanding of the close ties between Jews and Muslims? That is its aim. I start and end on this note. The dedication, over which I thought long and hard, reads: “This book is dedicated to the 13 million Jews and 1,300 million Muslims in the world in the hope that they may renew in the Twenty-First Century the mutual tolerance, respect and partnership that marked many periods in their history.” And the book ends (in the same tone): “It is my hope that this book will encourage a better understanding of the past, and help to make possible a future that emulates only the best aspects of the past.” How can the study of history reveal a path for peace and reconciliation between Jews and Muslims? By showing that the similarities between Jews and Muslims far outweigh their differences. By showing those periods in time, and those Caliphates and Empires, where Muslims and Jews found common ground, fought side by side against common enemies, enjoyed each others culture and company, and found myriad areas in which harmony created a better life for both. For many centuries the Ottoman Empire was a beacon of refuge for Jews from Christian persecution, and welcomed Jews as an integral part of Ottoman life. The great Saladin, a conqueror, a Kurd, and a devout Muslim, had a Jewish physician, and Jewish soldiers in his army. Are you optimistic about the current peace efforts and negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis? I am indeed, and have been ever since the Saudi Peace Plan. I have met and have come to know negotiators from both the Palestinian and Israeli side, and have a strong belief that the issues dividing them are far less strong and far less tempting than the opportunities for positive, productive, and harmonious cooperation. Can today's Jews and Muslims create a shared legacy for future generations? I sincerely hope so, and would do anything in my power (in the power of my pen) to help show just how constructive and mutually beneficial Jewish/Muslim reconciliation could be - for all those living in the region - in agriculture and industry, in prayer and mutual self help, in technology and inventiveness, in medicine and sport, in music and the culinary arts, in art and science, in literature and poetry, in hospitality and neighbourliness – and in the aspiration of all to live in quiet, fertile pastures with neighbours who want to share, not to glower, and whose persistent aim and determination is to put conflict aside for conciliation.
