A Muslim King and Three Rabbis Go Into A Bar in Madrid…

by Phyllis Chesler
Pajamas Media
July 21, 2008

http://www.phyllis-chesler.com/319/a-muslim-king-and-three-rabbis-go-into-a-bar-in

Excerpt:

Once upon a time, the King invited the infidels to Madrid–but he only invited a handful of Jews who are all, rightly or wrongly, perceived as more critical of Israel and of Judaism than of Islam. The King did not invite any influential, religious women. This did not stop any man of faith from attending.

I am talking about Saudi King Abdullah’s interfaith conference in Madrid which was attended by nearly 300 delegates representing Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and other faiths from over 50 countries. King Abdullah opened the conference on July 16, 2008 in the presence of Spain's King Juan Carlos.

I am in favor of dining with one’s enemies and with potential allies. I myself dine quite frequently with Muslim and ex-Muslim dissidents and am in favor of such alliances and dining experiences. But, if a King is the host, he usually invites other Kings and heads of state. That did not happen in Madrid. The invitees did not have the same worldly power that their host has. Did the King view the invitees as his potential press corps?

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