We're here at the Grand Mosque in Córdoba with Abu Isa talking about convivencia. Abu Isa, do you think that convivencia—good relationships between different groups such as Jews, Christians, and Muslims—is possible in today's world?
100% and absolutely. I think we are stronger together and we can learn from each other. And that always makes for a better life and a better society and better communities.
Excellent. And how about here in Europe? There's been some strife recently and growing right-wing movements calling for ethnic cleansing of Europe and things like that. Is Europe heading in the wrong direction there or is it going to catch itself in time?
I think all societies can take missteps. And clearly I wouldn't be with such groups and such ideas. Europe's been there before and we know these things don't end well. But hopefully the majority of people and the rule of law and democracy which we believe in can override these little bumps in history.
Okay. And then how about Palestine? Are we going to get any convivencia in Palestine?
I think it's absolutely possible. I think this has been going on for too long. And Muslims, Christians, Jews can come together in Palestine, and it can be a locus for growth for the whole region. And as somebody who’s a Muslim and knows that part of the world, absolutely. There's a journey everywhere to solve these problems and they are absolutely solvable, I would say.
Inshallah. Well, thank you for that very cheerful, positive, upbeat view.
Well, that's what I believe. It's easy to talk about stuff that you believe in.
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