Israel names first Arab minister

FROM THE BBC

"Israel's Labour party leader has appointed Raleb Majadele as science and technology minister - making him the first Arab Muslim in Israel's cabinet.
Amir Peretz said the "historic" appointment would improve relationships among different groups in Israel.

Pete's Points

I suspect that this is actually a more important appointment than people realise. Think about it - "science and technology" minister. Israel has been at the forefront of technological innovations in a variety of areas and this new minister will not only have access to, but control of, those aspects of the Israeli economy and research that are at the leading edge of it's ability to deal with civilian and military issues.

With this appointment, the Israelis can demonstrate that someone who is a Muslim can be trusted with its leading edge technological and scientific advantages. What a powerful message to its opponents.

This appointment harkens back to an era in which great Muslim leaders of the past were aware of the advantages of making the best use of the skills of the people that they governed regardless of their religious background.

Let's just hope that the appointment can remind people of a time when Jews, Muslims and other religious groups managed to coexist peacefully. Let's hope it can catch on elsewhere in the world as well.