I sit down with two remarkable guests: Soraya M. Deen—a Muslim feminist lawyer, interfaith organizer, and outspoken critic of antisemitism within Muslim spaces—and Julie Marzouk—an immigrants’ rights attorney and professor who’s been building bridges across communities for two decades.We dive into:Whether the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is primarily religious or political?Antisemitism inside parts of the Islamic world and how to challenge it from withiThe Quran, Israel, and why Soraya believes Zionism aligns with Quranic prophecyPost–October 7 interfaith ruptures—and practical steps for rebuilding trustImmigration policy, vetting, and liberalism vs. fundamentalismFeminism, LGBTQ rights, and the progressive–Islamist contradictionUnion politics (UAW), ethnic studies (AB-101), and coalition-building around shared American valuesIf you value honest dialogue across real differences, this episode is for you.⏱️ Chapters0:00 Intro0:06 Meet today’s guests1:16 Soraya on faith, Zionism & condemning Hamas3:22 Is this conflict religious, political—or both?5:12 “Palestinianism,” media narratives & accountability7:35 American mosques, sermons, and rising tensions post–10/79:30 How borrowed European antisemitism spread in Muslim contexts12:17 Growing up in South Asia: early signals & stereotypes13:59 From bullying to bridge-building: Soraya’s interfaith path17:01 Fear, threats, and speaking up anyway19:40 Liberal discomfort vs. calling out radicalism21:58 Why outreach often stalls—and what to try next24:39 What the Jewish community can do better (concrete steps)27:10 “Islamophobia” accusations & staying principled31:00 Re-centering Jewish strength without abandoning dialogue34:18 Julie on losing progressive allies & finding new bridges37:01 Immigration ideals vs. ideological vetting41:02 What U.S. asylum law already requires42:58 Screening gaps & community responsibility45:38 Compassion, gratitude, and reform from within49:03 Building broad coalitions (Latino, Asian, Black, Hindu, Christian)51:02 Unions, mission drift & shared interests53:38 Schools, AB-101 & prioritizing core education55:03 The feminism/LGBTQ breaking point with Islamism56:45 Is Islamic reform gathering steam?1:00:01 Textual literalism vs. living tradition1:01:35 Why medieval Islamic intellectuals matter today1:03:44 Cost of dissent: reformers under threat1:06:00 What should Israel do now? A “Chief Compassion Officer”?1:08:05 Progressives, Zionism & owning the narrative1:12:30 Focus Jewish orgs on Jewish needs; keep allies honest1:12:58 Closing thoughts & a call to action🔔 Support the showLike, subscribe, comment, and share to help us host more courageous conversations. We’ve got Members of Congress and major community leaders lined up—your engagement makes that possible.Zionism, antisemitism in Muslim community, Quran and Israel, Islamic reform, interfaith dialogue, October 7, Hamas condemnation, liberalism vs. fundamentalism, feminism in Islam, LGBTQ rights & Islam, progressive Judaism, coalition-building, unions UAW Israel, ethnic studies AB-101, immigration vetting, American Muslim leadership, Bernard Lewis, Maimonides, Ibn Rushd (Averroes), diaspora vs. nationalism.Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.
