Dr. Mehnaz Afridi is a member of the United States delegation to the IHRA and teaches Religious Studies at Manhattan University.
For Dr. Mehnaz Afridi, listening to each other with empathy is the only way to bridge divides and create a more compassionate world.
As the author of Shoah through Muslim Eyes and the director of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Interfaith Education Center at Manhattan University, Mehnaz is committed to finding new ways to encourage interfaith and intercommunal dialogue. Her work creates understanding between different communities of faith by recognizing the magnitude of the Holocaust and its profound impact on all of our lives.
“We must recognize the enormity of the Shoah and how it changed the world,” she says.
Mehnaz was born into a Muslim family in Karachi, Pakistan. Her father’s career as an international banker led the family to various cities in Europe and the Middle East. By the time she began high school in New York, she had already experienced life in diverse multicultural and interfaith communities. While her parents taught her to be open and welcoming towards all, Mehnaz grew up witnessing the often subtle, sometimes blatant, avoidance of the history of the Shoah in many places. She also experienced racism as a Muslim girl.
Who are we, if we exist solely for ourselves?
As she grew up, Mehnaz thought deeply about how her Muslim identity could help her explore shared historical and cultural ties with the Jewish community. Working as a graduate assistant for a professor of Holocaust studies in college, she committed herself to learning about Jewish history and suffering on a deeper level. A pivotal moment in her life came in 1995 when she received a grant to study biblical archaeology in Israel.
Coming back to the States with a deeper appreciation for shared experiences and dialogue, Mehnaz knew she had to learn more. In her journey, she discovered how to create empathetic spaces that encourage diverse community members to listen to and speak with each other.
Dr. Afridi speaks at the Holocaust, Genocide, and Interfaith Education Center at Manhattan University.
The Holocaust from an interfaith perspective
“The Holocaust cannot simply be studied as a historical event. It is also important to learn about Judaism, the diverse culture of Jewish communities, and why antisemitism persists in our society,” she says.
As she began to interview Holocaust survivors, Mehnaz learnt about the lived experiences of the Jewish community. At the same time, she also studied Jewish and Islamic philosophy. Her own faith and identity helped her understand empathy on a deeper level and realize the meaning of a shared humanity. And so, Mehnaz began to look for stories of resilience and empathy that bring people together. As her research grew, Mehnaz learnt that sharing stories is the first step towards creating trust and fostering dialogue between communities.
“We must be mindful of how we perceive conflict and dialogue, as well as how we view ourselves in relation to others. We cannot forget that we, too, are “the other” in their eyes.”
Mehnaz went on to earn a doctorate in Islam and religious studies from the University of South Africa. Today, she teaches at Manhattan University, where her work is centered around the intersection of Holocaust studies and Islamic scholarship. Her book, Shoah Through Muslim Eyes, came after years of working with students, Holocaust survivors, and members of the Jewish and Muslim communities. As a Muslim studying the Holocaust, Mehnaz learnt that to truly understand one another, we must learn to see the world through each other’s eyes.
Her work inspires us to ask, “Who are we, if we exist solely for ourselves?”
Dr. Afridi teaching students in Venice, Italy.
Students walk through the Jewish ghetto in Venice, Italy.
Dr. Afridi speaks at the Manhattan University.
Dr. Afridi teaches about Jewish resistance during the Holocaust.
Dr. Afridi was awarded the 1st Dr. Clarence B. Jones "I Have A Dream" Award for her work in interfaith communities and contributions to the Holocaust, Genocide, and Interfaith Education Center.
"Fifty years at Manhattan University: A Scholar's Life."
Education as a bridge between communities
At Manhattan University, Mehnaz inspires her students to engage in meaningful dialogue and embrace diverse perspectives and stories. Her course Muslims in the Holocaust often begins with students approaching it with curiosity, unsure of what to expect. But as students from various communities learn about the Holocaust and hear stories from the colonization of North Africa, a real dialogue begins to unfold.
Creating safe spaces to confront difficult conversations together is essential for true learning. Listening and asking questions in a safe environment is the best way to learn more about complex histories and each other, and to foster empathy.
One of her fondest memories is bringing together Muslim, Jewish, and Catholic students and community members to refurbish a synagogue in the Bronx. Many had never had much interaction with someone of another faith before. Through shared work and a barbeque, they built meaningful connections and gave back to the community. For Mehnaz, these small acts of cooperation carry profound importance.
As a teacher, mentor, and mother, Mehnaz feels a deep responsibility to cultivate a more empathetic world for our future generations. Understanding the Holocaust through different perspectives is essential to remembering the past and shaping the future. Offering a larger canvas of learning about the Holocaust in places like North Africa can help audiences understand the history of Jews and Arabs.
“We must create more spaces where future generations can safely engage with each other and realize their collective humanity to heal from past atrocities.”
Scottish teachers and IHRA delegates took part in the first international conference on Holocaust education in Scotland.
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