in: Arabian Routes in the Asian Context, P.I. Pogorelsky and M.I. Vasilenko, Editor, Russian Academy of Sciences , Sankt-Peterburg, pp.155-172, 2016
This paper examines local and international responses to the attempt to transform a mosque into a museum and event hall in Beersheba. I place the Muslim outrage over a wine festival held at the mosque in historical context and trace how a multi-faith coalition of Muslims, Jews, and Christians formed to protect the sanctity of the mosque and cemeteries in Beersheba. This coalition has been formed around the principles of peaceful coexistence and interfaith.
Keywords: Mosques, cemeteries, desecration, solidarity, Israel.