How can communities strengthen solidarity when online spaces amplify division? This question brought together interfaith practitioners, researchers, educators and civil society representatives on October 6, 2026, for “Stronger Together: Building Joint Jewish-Muslim Responses to Online Hate.”
The online event was hosted by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) and the Coalition to Counter Online Antisemitism (CCOA), in partnership with the International Network Against Cyber Hate (INACH), Nordic Safe Cities and United Religions Initiative.
Through a closed dialogue and an open public program, the gathering explored opportunities for Jewish-Muslim cooperation against online antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate. Presentations and interactive workshops addressed recognizing harmful narratives, education against discrimination, cooperation with municipalities, preventing prejudice and translating interfaith dialogue into joint action.
Representing URI, Lejla Hasandedic-Dapo, Membership Growth Coordinator and Partnerships Lead, contributed to several discussions and shared perspectives from URI’s grassroots interfaith network. Her contributions highlighted the role of Cooperation Circles in building trust across religious and cultural differences and bringing people together to serve their communities.
Zahed Amanullah, URI Senior Advisor and Senior Fellow at ISD, helped organize and moderate the event. He highlighted his involvement in URI and the contribution its network can make to strengthening dialogue and cooperation.
The program recognized that antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate have distinct histories and impacts, while creating space to explore shared challenges and opportunities for solidarity. Its emphasis on practical cooperation reflected URI’s commitment to enduring, daily interfaith cooperation and ending religiously motivated violence.
For URI, the gathering offered a valuable opportunity to connect community peacebuilding with research, education and advocacy. It also opened conversations about future collaboration, including joint learning activities and opportunities to engage Cooperation Circles in Europe and beyond.
URI thanks the organizers and participants for this meaningful exchange and looks forward to exploring further ways to work together against hate and strengthen inclusive communities.
