Displaying Country: United States
16 Jul 2026 | Individuals
Remembering Professor John L. Esposito
The Bridge Initiative mourns the passing of Dr. John L. Esposito, founding director of the Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding (ACMCU) and director of The Bridge Initiative at Georgetown University. read the complete article
20 May 2026 | Law Enforcement
From Rhetoric to Violence: Statement on the attack against the Islamic Center of San Diego
We are deeply saddened and outraged by the horrific hate crime attack targeting the Islamic Center of San Diego, a place of worship and a school where children were present. This attack did not occur in a vacuum. It has taken place against a backdrop of escalating, anti-Muslim rhetoric, in which influential opinion leaders and elected officials across the country have repeatedly and deliberately demonized Muslim communities through racist and bigoted language. read the complete article
12 May 2026 | Individuals
Islamophobia and the Political Rise of Zohran Mamdani
This report examines the surge of Islamophobia directed at Zohran Mamdani’s historic run for Mayor of New York City. Drawing on news reports, public statements and actions by prominent groups and politicians, media framing, and social media discourse, the report investigates and analyzes the anti-Muslim bigotry during this time period. read the complete article
19 Feb 2026 | Politics
Islamophobia takes center stage in the Lone Star State
In November 2025, Governor Greg Abbot called for an official investigation into so-called “Sharia courts”. No such courts exist, but factual information has never been the top priority in American politics. There are however, as Lawyer Faisal Kutty points out, “voluntary Muslim mediation panels operating under the same framework used by Jewish beth din courts and Christian arbitration services.” read the complete article
30 Oct 2025 | Individuals
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
14 Jul 2025 | Individuals
When a Win Sparks Hate: Islamophobia After Mamdani’s Victory
Zohran Mamdani has made history as the first Muslim to become the Democratic candidate for New York City Mayor. The democratic socialist’s campaign centered on a bold progressive vision aimed at making New York City more affordable, including proposals to provide free bus service and childcare, implement a rent freeze, and increase taxes on wealthy corporations. Mamdani succeeded in mobilizing broad grassroots support, ultimately defeating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo—long considered a political heavyweight. read the complete article
25 Apr 2025 | Politics
Bridging Worlds: Reflections on Teaching, Dialogue, and the University’s Role
As a historian of the Middle East and a historian of religions, my scholarship and teaching for over two decades have focused on the history of interfaith and interreligious relations, pluralism, and identity. Over this… read the complete article
27 Mar 2025 | Policy/Law
Silencing Dissent: The Islamophobia Industry’s Assault on Academic Freedom
In 2025, The Bridge Initiative marks ten years since its launch. Founded by world-renowned Islamic studies scholar Dr. John L. Esposito, the project, housed under the Al-Waleed Center for Muslim Christian Understanding (ACMCU) at Georgetown University, was created in response to the urgent need for a reliable source on Islamophobia. As the issue grew in the United States, Bridge was established with a clear mission: to study, analyze, and provide the public with resources on Islamophobia—how it manifests and the often-devastating consequences it brings to individuals and society. read the complete article
25 Mar 2025 | Organizations
Abraham’s Bridge: A Documentary Review of Interfaith Connection in America’s Heartland
In a world marked by conflict, division, and religious tension, "Abraham's Bridge" offers a compelling narrative of collaboration across faith traditions. This short documentary, running just under 40 minutes, produced and directed by Elinor J. Pierce, Research Director of the Harvard Pluralism Project (pluralism.org), chronicles the remarkable Tri-Faith Initiative in Omaha, Nebraska – an ambitious project to build a mosque, synagogue, church, and interfaith center side-by-side, connected by a circular wooden bridge. read the complete article