- Bridge Initiative

The Bridge Initiative: Achievements

06 May 2025

The Bridge Initiative was established in 2015 to provide accessible and scholarly information on Islamophobia. In the last five years (2020-2024), The Bridge Initiative has produced over 235 pieces of research (factsheets, articles, reports).Our research has been featured in prominent media outlets, including the New Yorker, New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Haaretz, The Forward, The Intercept, TIME, and more. read the complete article

Austrian Hijab Ban Survey: What Muslim women think

09 Oct 2025

The Austrian Hijab Ban Survey sheds light on how Muslim women and girls in Austria view the government’s proposed legislation banning the hijab in schools up to the 8th grade. Conducted shortly after the bill’s announcement on 10 September 2025, the survey collected responses from almost 1,000 Muslim women in Austria, offering a rare insight into the voices most directly affected. The findings are striking: 93% of respondents oppose the ban. The results further challenge claims that the hijab negatively impacts education or personal development, with overwhelming majorities disputing such arguments. Also, Muslim women who do not wear the hijab expressed strong opposition to the law. Politically, most respondents supported the Social Democrats (SPÖ), despite the party’s participation in the coalition pushing the ban, while many also favored smaller parties, but clearly rejected the two most vocal parties supporting the bill, the Conservatives (ÖVP) and the Liberals (NEOS), polling with only 1 percent each. Overall, the survey highlights both the broad rejection of the hijab ban among Muslim women and the gap between political rhetoric and the lived experiences of Austria’s Muslim community. read the complete article

Pride or Prejudice? The English Flag and the Racialization of Belonging

09 Sep 2025

In recent weeks, there has been a visible resurgence of national symbols across the United Kingdom, particularly the Union Jack and the English flag bearing Saint George's Cross. These flags have been hoisted from lampposts, draped over bridges, and even painted onto roundabouts. While some describe this grassroots movement as an expression of national pride, the displaying of these flags has also been closely associated with anti-migrant and anti-Muslim hostility. read the complete article

Islamophobia: The Right Word for a Real Problem

08 Sep 2016

The history of American and European interactions with Muslims around the world is long and complex. Over time, geopolitical events abroad — wars, conflicts over natural resources including land and oil, and domestic security threats... read the complete article

Reporting Gaza: Bias, Silence, and Islamophobia in the BBC

17 Jul 2025

In episode 19 of Unpacking Islamophobia, Bridge Associate Director Mobashra Tazamal speaks with Faisal Hanif, a media analyst at the Centre for Media Monitoring (CfMM) in the United Kingdom. They discuss CfMM’s latest report highlighting the systemic bias in the BBC’s coverage of Israel’s war in Gaza. read the complete article

Private: Factsheet: Alice Weidel

04 Apr 2025

Alice Weidel ist die Co-Vorsitzende der Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), einer rechtsextremen politischen Partei in Deutschland und der ersten nationalistischen Rechtspartei, die seit dem Zweiten Weltkrieg in den deutschen Bundestag eingezogen ist. read the complete article

20 years of Guantánamo: a symbol of injustice, abuse, and disregard for the rule of law

11 Jan 2022

On January 11, 2002, the first individuals arrived at the Guantánamo Bay Military Prison. In the twenty years since the establishment of the prison, a total of 780 Muslim men and boys have passed through the prison, with over 98% never being charged with a crime. In the two decades since its founding, only two prisoners have ever been convicted. read the complete article

Hindutva in Britain

24 Nov 2023

This report analyzes the historical and contemporary context that has cultivated the complex landscape in which Hindu nationalist influences have materialized in the UK. Our research provides an overview of Hindutva in India, the Islamophobia industry and its connection to Hindutva, UK-based groups and individuals who have expressed or supported Hindu nationalist sentiment, and the 2022 Leicester riots, the political response and fallout following the events in the city. read the complete article

Private: Factsheet: Common Anti-Muslim Tropes

04 Dec 2018

These tropes are not only found on anti-Muslim blogs online, but also in news and entertainment media. They can also be manifested in political speech and can serve as assumptions underlying government policy. read the complete article

In Focus

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04 Dec 2025

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The Latest

Podcast

21 Nov 2025

Everyday Islamophobia: Lived Realities

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Peter Hopkins about his new book, Everyday Islamophobia (Bristol University Press), looking specifically at how everyday instances of anti-Muslim racism are connected to and sustained by the broader structures in society. read the complete article

Article

30 Oct 2025

Zohran Mamdani calls out Islamophobia in NYC Mayoral Race

On October 25, 2025, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist nominee running to become the next mayor of New York City, released a powerful video addressing the rampant Islamophobia he has faced throughout his campaign. read the complete article

29 Oct 2025

Civilization Talk: How Politicians Use ‘Judeo-Christian’ to Cast Muslims as a Threat

By fusing ethno-nationalist populism with religion, the notion of a “Judeo-Christian tradition” has been mobilized as a symbolic “barrier against Islam,” framing Muslims—constructed as the religious and racial “other”— as threats to Western values and civilization. read the complete article