In cooperation with the Alliance Foundation DialoguePerspectives supported the project “Jewish-Muslim initiated Flinta*hood” as part of the Jewish-Muslim Solidarity Programme. The project also supported by OFEK e.V. focuses on bringing together Jewish and Muslim women*.
The first meeting of the Jewish-Muslim initiated Flinta*hood took place at the Patrice Lumumba Gallery in Berlin and marked a significant step towards female solidarity among Jewish and Muslim women*. The main focus of our project was on highlighting female solidarity between Jewish and Muslim women*. We were united by the desire to connect the intersection of belonging to religious and ethnic minorities with woman*hood, and to stand together against racism, antisemitism, and sexism.
A central insight from the meeting was the importance of empathetic dialogue. Under the guidance of Elif Gökpinar and Anna Feldbein, whose workshop was supported by OFEK e.V., participants in the initial workshop sessions created a space aimed at support and community. In doing so, the Community Commitment was developed, which is intended to serve as the basis for future collaboration. This exercise enabled the FLINTAs/women* to establish initial connections and develop a sense of belonging.
Another central theme was the understanding of networks and alliances. Participants reflected on what was important to them within the group and what resources they brought with them. An interesting idea was to create a chapter where everyone could document their knowledge and professional backgrounds to provide a comprehensive overview of the available resources.
The meeting also discussed concrete goals and the fine planning of the initiative. Despite the initial ambitions to form an alliance immediately, it quickly became clear that mutual trust and clarity about the objectives would take time. The discussion on who should be part of the group showcased the diversity and openness of the initiative; participants voted on whether the group should be exclusively reserved for Jewish and Muslim individuals or whether space should also be made for others who experience antisemitism or anti-Muslim racism.
Overall, the meeting was deemed a great success. It laid the foundation for the formation of a solid alliance and opened up possibilities for future empowerment meetings, where the women* wish to continue working on shared goals and a supportive network. Regular online meetings provide a framework to clarify open questions and further develop the initiative. Flinta*hood thus becomes an important place of female intersectional solidarity and offers a space to collectively stand against discrimination.
˝DialoguePerspectives offers a unique change of perspective! The programme allows you to really grapple with current and highly societally relevant questions, to reflect on your own identity, and to get to know the diversity of European identities. I am very grateful for the intensive personal discussion and encounters, and the great amount of food for thought that has stuck with me long past the seminars.
Ezgi, DialoguePerspectives alumnus