The Unknown Face of Islam

Book excerpt: Kfar Kama, a small village near the biblical Mt. Tabor in the lower Galilee region of Israel, attracts no special attention at first sight. However, a closer look reveals a unique community of people whose origins are in the mountains of Caucasia—proud Israelis who are also proud Muslims. Kfar Kama tells a different story. A different story on Islam—an Islam with a different story. Circassian Muslims in Israel are a beacon of hope at this point in history, when radical Islamists have launched bitter—and sometimes bloody—campaigns against whoever thinks differently. The message of Circassian Muslims is loud and clear: Islam can get along with other religions just fine. It is only a matter of theological interpretations—and goodwill.