Review: A conversation between Muslims and Jews about “hot topics”

The book “Spheres of Tension. Life in Germany” is based on four conversations between Mansour and Schuster and journalist Shelley Kupferberg, which took place between July 13, 2023 and June 10, 2024. In it, the two talk about what drives them to “make their origins the subject and mission of their actions,” and how to be Living with personal protection and where perceptions of others and self-images vary in society.

The book is interesting – even outside Germany – because it raises central questions about social coexistence for discussion. For example, how to deal with the rise of right-wing populist and far-right parties, how successful immigration can be, what a future-oriented culture of remembrance can look like and how a culture of discussion that raises concerns can be introduced. They can be identified and biases reduced. Schuster and Mansour's positions are not comprehensive, and are sometimes personal and call for further reflection.

Anti-Semitism and Conflict in the Middle East

Mansour is an Arab-Israeli Muslim and has lived in Germany since 2004. Having come into contact with fundamentalist Muslims as a teenager, he now works as a psychologist in Berlin and cares for the families of radicalized youth. Dr. Schuster was born in Israel, the son of German Jews, and grew up in Germany. He has been president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany since 2014.

In “Fields of Tension” the two sometimes offer very personal insights. Their motivations for engaging in social and political affairs – including the fight against anti-Semitism and extremism – come from their very different biographies. It is not surprising that they sometimes do not share the same attitudes; The book thrives on appreciative discussion of these positions.

However, they also agree on many points. For example, anti-Semitism is “a kind of litmus test for the German constitution” or that a new culture of discussion and more empathy is needed.

Need to ask critical questions

“Fields of Tension” is worth reading because Schuster and Mansour find the words so clear. For example, when they criticize the exploitation of the conflict in the Middle East and demand educational pedagogy for teachers who want to talk about it with their classes. According to Mansour, teachers need to be able to interact empathetically with students, especially in times of escalation.

Regarding political discourse in Germany, they both criticize the fact that politicians make topics taboo for fear of receiving applause from the “wrong side.” It is necessary to discuss critical questions and create a climate in which these questions can be asked.

For this to work, Mansour and Schuster unanimously said, people need to know about historical events, as well as the complexity of many topics such as the conflict in the Middle East. There is also a need to consider the diversity of Jews and Muslims in Germany. In this context, the interviewees also criticized some Islamic associations and mosque associations and their political affiliations.

Fake news and lack of education

Mansour and Schuster also agree that fake news in particular is a big problem. It will also be shown here that lack of knowledge causes people – especially young people – to become easily agitated.

Above all, “youth groups and refugees, and they are certainly not a homogeneous group, who came to Germany with a certain burden, we cannot reach them,” says Mansour. What is needed is “digital social action” and political education on social media. It is also essential for politicians to develop concepts on how to successfully create counter-narratives on social media channels. For now, Schuster and Mansour criticize leaving room for populists.

“Encounters in everyday life” is a must

Mansour, who grew up in a “patriarchal family” with many prejudices, repeatedly provides insight into his development and explains what it takes to be able to critically question deeply rooted ideas. According to Mansour, people also affected by military conflicts cannot be reached through a workshop. Conflicts can only be reduced through encounters in daily life.

“Healthy discussion culture”

“Areas of Tension” is a call to develop a new culture of debate. While Mansour calls for courage in “differences of opinion,” Schuster calls for “violent arguments” that reach a common conclusion. The conversation between the two, especially when they don't share the same opinion, shows how difficult a successful debate culture is. It is based on education, openness and the will to listen and understand each other.

The success of the conversation between Mansour and Schuster is also due to the fact that they have the same goal: a functioning and fair democracy. Ultimately, what unites them is the conviction that it is worth fighting for. The book leaves open how people who do not share this interest can develop this culture of debate. Its value lies in the invitation to engage in discourse and critically question one's position.