Why has shaking hands become fraught in Switzerland?

Because two pupils at a school in the town of Therwil, near Basel, had requested an exemption from shaking a female teacher’s hand, citing their belief that it would go against Islamic teachings. Shaking hands with teachers at the start and end of each day is a widespread Swiss tradition. The local school district decided that the pupils, aged 14 and 15, would not be required to shake any teacher’s hands. But then the arrangement was made public, sparking a public debate about the compromise. “We cannot accept this,” Swiss Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga said.“The handshake is part of our culture.” The Swiss Teacher’s Union and the local council have also come out against the plan and the Swiss Muslim community has suggested the boys are misinterpreting Islamic teachings. The local school district, however, appears to be standing firm.