Jews and Muslims Coexisted for Centuries – Zionism’s Impact Explored by Rabbi Sofer

In a compelling Al Jazeera English report aired on 20 September 2026, Rabbi Haim Sofer took viewers on a sweeping historical journey, tracing the contours of Jewish identity from ancient exile through centuries of shared life with Muslim neighbours. The video, titled “Jews and Muslims coexisted for centuries. Did Zionism tear them apart?”, unpacks how the dream of a Jewish state and the modern push for a Third Temple have reshaped those age‑old bonds. As South African sports fans know, history is never static – the same forces that once united communities can be re‑written by new aspirations. In this article, I break down Rabbi Sofer’s insights, link them to the broader South African context, and reflect on what the story of coexistence and division means for our own nation’s sporting tapestry.

From Exile to Al‑Andalus: Early Chapters of Shared Life

Rabbi Sofer begins by reminding us that Jewish identity has always been forged in the crucible of exile and persecution. He points to the early medieval period, when Jews found refuge in the flourishing societies of al‑Andalus. There, under Muslim rule, Jewish scholars, merchants and artisans lived side by side with their Arab neighbours, contributing to a vibrant cultural mosaic. The Rabbi emphasises that this coexistence was not a fleeting anomaly but a sustained reality that spanned centuries, laying a deep‑rooted foundation of mutual exchange.

In the same way that South African rugby clubs once served as melting pots for black and white players during the early integration era, the Jewish‑Muslim partnership in al‑Andalus demonstrated that shared spaces can nurture common purpose. Rabbi Sofer notes that the daily rhythms of market stalls, prayer calls and communal festivals created a rhythm that resonated across faith lines, much like the drumbeat of a stadium crowd that unites fans regardless of background.

He also draws attention to the intellectual cross‑pollination that occurred: Jewish philosophers engaged with Arabic thought, while Muslim scholars consulted Jewish physicians. This symbiotic relationship, according to the Rabbi, set a precedent for centuries of peaceful co‑habitation that would later echo in places like Morocco and Iraq, where Jewish communities continued to thrive alongside Muslim majorities.

From Morocco to Iraq: Continuity of Coexistence

Moving eastward, Rabbi Sofer outlines how the pattern of coexistence persisted in Morocco and Iraq. In Moroccan towns, Jewish quarters (the mellahs) sat adjacent to Muslim souks, and families often shared water wells and trade routes. The Rabbi describes how, during festivals, Jewish and Muslim children would play together in the same streets, echoing the way South African townships have historically seen children of different races sharing schoolyards despite broader societal divides.

In Iraq, the Rabbi highlights the historic Jewish presence in Baghdad, where Jewish merchants were integral to the city’s commercial lifeblood. He notes that the communal bonds were reinforced by shared language – Arabic – and common legal frameworks that allowed both communities to navigate daily life with relative ease. This mirrors the way South African sport leagues have historically used a common language of play to bridge cultural gaps.

The Rabbi’s narrative underscores that these centuries of coexistence were not merely tolerated but actively cultivated through inter‑marriage, joint charitable endeavours and mutual defence pacts. He stresses that the social fabric was woven tightly, much like the fabric of South African sport, where clubs and national teams become symbols of unity that transcend ethnic and religious lines.

The Rise of Zionism: A New Ideological Current

Rabbi Sofer then pivots to the modern era, introducing Zionism as a transformative force that reshaped Jewish self‑perception. He explains that the yearning for a Jewish state, crystallised in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, introduced a new collective ambition that began to eclipse the older, diaspora‑centred identity. This shift, he argues, set the stage for tension between the historic coexistence and the emerging nationalist narrative.

He draws a parallel with South African sport’s own evolution, where the emergence of a post‑apartheid national identity sometimes clashed with entrenched provincial loyalties. Just as the Springboks had to reconcile a new, inclusive brand with the legacy of a segregated past, the Jewish community faced the challenge of aligning a centuries‑old diaspora experience with the modern Zionist dream of a sovereign homeland.

The Rabbi notes that Zionism’s emphasis on a singular homeland introduced a political dimension that altered relationships with Muslim neighbours. While earlier coexistence was rooted in shared daily life, the push for a Jewish state began to be seen through the lens of territorial claims, echoing how sport can become a proxy for broader political aspirations when national pride is at stake.

Neturei Karta: The Anti‑Zionist Voice Within Judaism

One of the most striking parts of the Al Jazeera report is the introduction of Neturei Karta, an Orthodox Jewish anti‑Zionist movement. Rabbi Sofer explains that this group opposes the very idea of a Jewish state, arguing that Judaism’s spiritual destiny cannot be fulfilled through political sovereignty. Their stance provides a counter‑narrative to the dominant Zionist discourse, reminding viewers that the Jewish world is not monolithic.

In South Africa, we have seen similar internal debates within sport – for instance, discussions about the role of transformation policies versus merit‑based selection. The Rabbi’s discussion of Neturei Karta highlights how ideological diversity can exist within a single community, a dynamic that resonates with our own sporting debates about heritage versus progress.

He points out that Neturei Karta’s opposition is rooted in theological interpretation rather than political opposition per se. This nuance is crucial: the movement’s stance is not simply anti‑state but a profound belief that the messianic redemption must come through divine rather than human agency. Such depth of conviction mirrors the passion of South African fans who defend their clubs not just for sport but for identity and belief.

The Dream of a Third Temple: Symbolism and Controversy

Rabbi Sofer delves into the contemporary discourse surrounding plans for a Third Temple on the Temple Mount – a site of profound significance to both Jews and Muslims. He outlines how the vision of rebuilding the Temple has become a powerful symbol for some Zionist factions, representing the ultimate fulfilment of biblical prophecy.

This aspiration, however, carries heavy political weight. The Rabbi notes that any move towards a Third Temple would inevitably inflame Muslim sensitivities, given the site’s centrality to Islamic worship. The tension mirrors the way South African stadiums can become flashpoints for broader societal issues, such as when match days intersect with political protests.

He stresses that the symbolic power of the Temple concept can reshape inter‑communal relations, turning centuries‑old coexistence into a contested narrative. The Rabbi’s analysis invites South African readers to consider how symbols – whether a national stadium or a sacred site – can both unite and divide, depending on the narratives attached to them.

Implications for South Africa: Lessons from History and Today

Wrapping up the Al Jazeera piece, Rabbi Sofer invites reflection on what the Jewish‑Muslim experience teaches us about coexistence, identity and the forces that can fracture long‑standing bonds. He argues that the shift from shared daily life to politicised aspirations offers a cautionary tale for any community navigating change.

For South Africa, the lesson is clear: sport has long been a bridge across divides, but it can also become a battleground when external narratives impose new identities. Just as the Rabbi highlights the importance of recognising internal diversity – exemplified by groups like Neturei Karta – South African sport must continue to honour the multiplicity of voices that shape our national story.

In the same way that South African rugby, cricket and football have adapted to new realities while preserving core values of unity and competition, the Jewish diaspora’s journey from coexistence to contested nationalism underscores the need for dialogue, humility and an awareness of how symbols can be wielded. As we watch the Al Jazeera footage unfold, the echoes of stadium chants, the rhythm of a drumming crowd, and the quiet prayers of a community all remind us that the pursuit of shared humanity is an ongoing match – one that South Africans know well from the fields of the past to the stadiums of the future.

By Dante Williams, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: Al Jazeera English video report (20 September 2026); Al Jazeera English; Global1.News