Author: Hatice Altundal-Erkmen

University: Indiana University

Date of Award: 2022

Abstract:

In this dissertation, Ms. Hatice Altundal-Erkmen focuses on (i) how the concept of modesty has been understood, interpreted, and practiced in Judaism and Islam by identifying similarities and differences and (ii) how Orthodox Jewish women and Muslim women perceive the concept of modesty in a secular society, America. She tackles the question of how Orthodox Jewish women and Muslim women in America make sense of modest dress code, where modest clothing, especially the practice of head covering, is seen largely as a sign of oppression, especially at the public level. More specifically, despite negative and orientalist representations of the concept of modesty embedded in American mainstream media and political discourse, religious women who embrace a modest dress code challenge stereotypical assumptions about and orientalist discourse on the practice of head covering. By using social media to be heard, they underscore that they dress modestly by choice, not by force. In doing so, they not only challenge popular assumptions, including that these women are forced to wear modest clothing, but also assert agency. In this study, she utilizes the concept of modesty because this term functions as an analytical framework to explore the connections and commonalities between two cultures and religions. She employs narrative analysis and discourse analysis in examining media texts, journals, news reports, blogs, and other digital platforms.  The author also provides historical context for both religions in America and their responses to modernity to explore the layers and complexities of understanding religious modesty in a secular setting and draw attention to an ever-growing diversity in the interpretation, meaning, and display of modesty among orthodox Jewish women and Muslim women.

Source: Proquest

Founded in January 2017 by Cynthia Levine-Rasky and Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui, the Toronto chapter meets on a monthly basis in rented space downtown. Since the first meeting of March 5, the women’s camaraderie was palpable. Members range in age from 23 to 67, and they differ in ethnic identity and religious practice. As a result, there is always a lot to talk about: childhood and family, positive and negative religious experiences, encounters with other Muslims and Jews, and with other groups. Plans are underway for social action that may take the form of charitable work and political activism. Such plans could not be timelier.

A Statistics Canada report, ‘Police-Reported Hate Crime in Canada, 2015’ released on 13 June 2017, indicates that police-reported crimes motivated by hate against the Muslim population rose 61% in 2015. While the number of crimes targeting the Jewish population declined between 2014 and 2015, more Jews were targeted in both years than any other religious group. Hate crimes can involve violent offences such as assault, uttering threats and criminal harassment but they also frequently involve vandalism and graffiti.

The Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom was founded in New Jersey in 2010 by Sheryl Olitzky and Atiya Aftab. Its mandate is to promote trust, respect, and relationships between North American Muslim and Jewish women. Members work together to challenge anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish sentiment and to engage in social action to benefit the local community. Expanding from 50 to 150 chapters after the election of President Donald Trump on 8 November 2016, the organization’s rapid growth demonstrates people’s urgency to challenge social divisions by making connections to each other.

“What happened in the United States had a ripple effect around the world,” says Levine-Rasky. “Like elsewhere, in Canada, we are seeing a rise in racist activity especially against religious minorities. People should not give in to fear. When Jewish and Muslim women stand together, we make a strong statement against fear.”

“Foreign conflicts have at times put a strain on Muslim and Jewish relationships at home,” says Ghaffar-Siddiqui. “The sisterhood not only dismantles the misconception that we are unable to get along, but it also aims to forge meaningful ties where they may have not existed otherwise. The love, compassion and patience that come so easily to women are essential to strengthening Muslim and Jewish bonds in the wider community. It is only with such solidarity that we can fight hate against both groups.”

Source: The Muslim Link