Jewish and Muslim students at the University of Cambridge are attempting to build better relationships with each other through football.

The inaugural CU Islamic Society and Jewish Society inter-faith football game, which took place last Sunday, was a far cry from the frayed communication which has characterised the relationship between the societies in recent years.

Robert Mindell, the Co-Interfaith Officer of the Jewish Society, explained that the event was an attempt to build better relationships between students of the two faiths. "Rather than focusing on our differences of faith and opinion, both societies agreed that a decent kick around would be a far better use of our efforts," he said.

Aamer Hason, Joint Organiser and Communications Officer of the Islamic Society, had a similar outlook.

"The main aim of this match was to increase the mutual understanding and co-operation between the two societies, and create well-established links between the two societies, as part of our inter-faith work."

Dialogue between the two societies has been frayed in recent months. Last year, both societies were asked to be involved in CUSU’s Israel-Palestine Awareness Week, an initiative which ultimately collapsed.

Whilst joint events were taking place last year including ‘prayer swaps’ and an event with other faith societies entitled ‘Illuminating the Soul with Divine Love’, much of the official dialogue was focused around the political situation in the Middle East.

Sunday’s football match was a chance to change the dialogue. In order to foster greater understanding, it was decided that both teams should consist of members of both societies.

Rather than one team being Islamic Society FC or Jewish Society FC, both teams were Cambridge University United, which helped to ensure that all partisan feelings were left at the side-lines. This, combined with the fact that a number of players who were being fielded by both sides were unaffiliated to either faith, enabled the game to turn into a casual Sunday afternoon football match.

The light-hearted nature of the event was best evidenced by the cameo of Yonatan Mandel, the five-year-old son of the Jewish chaplain. Performing with a few of his friends, Yonatan proved himself to be promising talent to watch out for in the future.

Sunday’s match was also particularly significant due to the participation by men of both societies. In the past, there have been numerous successful women’s interfaith events, while men in both societies have had a less successful track record in organising interfaith events.

In particular, MoJoW (Muslim and Jewish Women) has run a number of very successful events over the past few years. Now, with the introduction of inter-faith football, there appears to be an opportunity to break down misconceptions between the men of the Jewish and Islamic societies and build avenues of co-operation.

Students at the University applauded the two societies for putting aside their differences and building mutual understanding. According to one second-year law student, who is not affiliated with either faith, "This is a wonderful example of how sports bring people together."

Ultimately, the event appeared was a great success, with many hoping that another would be organised before the end of term. Students who may be interested in participating are encouraged to contact either of the societies.