In 2016, fourteen European religious leaders – seven Jewish and seven Muslims – came together in Vienna with a mission to counter the prejudice, hatred and violence faced by adherents of all faiths, and to instead promote a culture of respect and appreciation of different religious identities.
The Council seeks to uphold common Muslim-Jewish values, protect the universal right to freedom of religion or belief, correct stereotypes and build inter-communal and intra-communal trust and cooperation. Furthermore, the Council’s joint Muslim-Jewish educational strategy facilitates intra-community and inter-community understanding and respect for Muslims and Jews in Europe, while establishing bridges to other religious communities and secular groups.