Dialogue works, defeatism doesn’t

Douglas Murray’s ( July 29) dismissal of “interfaith dialogue” is defeatist. For sure, we face a real threat from fundamentalists using Islam as justification for terror and murder. But Murray offers no way forward, and picks on “gullible”, “uninformed” Jewish leaders for particular criticism.

Most Muslims in the UK have no exposure to Jews other than via the media’s focus on Israel/Palestine or on negative stories. Mistrust runs deep.

Rather than lambasting initiatives as naïve, I propose that Murray helps to build relationships with Muslims to reduce ignorance, prejudice and hatred.

Both Mitzvah Day and NisaNashim are breaking down barriers and bringing people together. Yes, “dialogue” can frustrate, but doing nothing is equally naïve and far less empowering. I invite Jews nationally, rather than hide from the problems, to join us Laura Marks OBE Founder Mitzvah Day and Cofounder Nisa-Nashim London, NW3

I was disappointed and ashamed to see a double-page spread given over to Douglas Murray’s knee-jerk invective following the terrorist attacks in Nice and Rouen.

After presenting an analysis of Islam based on wilful blindness to anything outside the extremist trend he wants to see, Murray states that interfaith dialogues “embolden the extremists”.

So much for the positive images of the Chief Rabbi with the Mayor of London and Archbishop of Canterbury we saw recently!

IS and all the other hateful extremists are seeking to divide us — they seem to have succeeded in Murray’s case. I daren’t think what he might be suggesting as the logical policy conclu-