Jews and Muslims in France, 1948 to 2001: A Social and Political History

FAIN: FT-52233-04

Maud Strum Mandel
Brown University (Providence, RI 02912-9100)

This project explores the relationship between Jewish and Muslim populations in France across the second half of the twentieth century. Using the establishment of the state of Israel and the de-colonization of North Africa as a back-drop, it investigates how political events external to France transformed the social and political identities of important ethnic minorities within that country. The goal is neither to paint a simple picture of tension and animosity nor to celebrate connections and cooperation. Rather, the study will explore how the Arab/Israeli conflict has intersected with an already complex relationship between these two populations, helping shape their understanding of their minority identities in the state in which they currently live.