“A must-read for anyone interested in religion and secularism in France. With admirable objectivity and clear prose, Steven Kramer does a masterful job in analyzing Jewish and Muslim integration challenges in France in a historical and comparative framework. In a field dominated by polarizing and alarmist books on Islam and the future of Judaism in France, calmly analyzing both religions’ peculiarly French journey is one of the many qualities of Kramer’s work. Be prepared to discover fascinating similarities and meaningful differences.” —Omer Taspinar, Professor, National Security Strategy, National War College
"Steven Kramer embarked on writing this book after the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks; and with Jews, Muslims, and the French Republic, he offers for a non-French reader the best introduction to the complex relationship that has formed over time between Jews and Muslims in France. With an adequate balance between empathy and objectivity, this book shows convincingly how fear and prejudice fuel antagonistic narratives on each side—but, optimistically, it concludes on how to overcome these tensions. A must-read." —Nonna Mayer, CNRS Emerita Research Professor at the Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics, Sciences Po, Paris
"The struggle to integrate ethnic and religious minorities is a challenge that confronts almost every modern society. This well-researched book explores how France's resentment toward Jews and contempt for Muslims have plagued its history since Napoleon's days, tracing the origins to the country's colonial past. Jews, Muslims, and the French Republic offers important insights into how other nations, including the United States, can learn from France's myriad difficulties in achieving ‘liberty, equality, and fraternity’ for all its citizens." —William Drozdiak, The Last President of Europe: Emmanuel Macron's Race to Revive France and Save the World
"How does minority status impact the collective well-being and social options for people who are defined as minority? Jews and Muslims share that ambiguous fate in modern French history, yet no one before Steven Kramer has charted the parallel significance of their perilous journeys. This incisive, brilliantly crafted book is critical not just for the minorities concerned but also for all interested in the role of France in contemporary European history." —Bruce B. Lawrence, Marcus Family Humanities Professor of Religion Emeritus, Duke University
