A British Jew and a British Palestinian have come together to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on their lives in the UK.
Mohamed Aboukhachab, a Muslim in his 20s, and Deborah Lyons, a 37-year-old Jewish woman, sat down with Sky News to share their perspectives and experiences.
The pair acknowledged that while their personal interaction may not directly influence the war itself, it can illuminate the divisions and complexities present in Britain as a result of the distant conflict.
Deborah expressed her desire to explore ways to bridge the gap and bring people together, while Mohamed emphasized the need to show the existence of generations of Palestinians who are truly seeking peace.
Their discussion comes against the backdrop of a rise in Islamophobic and anti-Semitic crime in the UK following the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. According to the Metropolitan Police, Islamophobic crimes have increased by 140%, while anti-Semitic crimes have seen an impressive 1,353% increase.
Deborah believes the recent pro-Palestinian marches, which drew hundreds of thousands of people to the streets of Britain, may have contributed to this sharp rise in anti-Semitism.
Mohamed, however, thought it was unfair to associate all Palestinian marches and protests with anti-Semitism.
Despite their differences of opinion, the discussion between Mohamed and Deborah remained friendly. They recognized a shared citizenship and the need for policymakers to build on this common ground, even as the horrors of war continue.
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