ABSTRACT
This final chapter answers the central question of this study and draws a number of conclusions. The differences and similarities observed in Jewish-Muslim relations in London and Amsterdam are attributed to differences and similarities related to the identified factors affecting these relations. The most obvious differences are found in the areas of ‘ideology’, Jewish London, for example, is predominantly religious whereas Jewish Amsterdam is predominantly secular, practical matters, such as resources which are far more abundant in London, and contextual factors, including historical factors, trigger events, the influence of mainstream churches and the role of the government. The British government, for example, provides considerably more financial support to building and developing constructive relations between Jewish and Muslim population groups than the Dutch government does. On the other hand, similarities can be found in, for instance, the social identity strategies applied by the Jewish and Muslim communities in the two cities. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the significance of the research findings for the theories presented in the theoretical framework and for the further study of Jewish-Muslim relations in Europe. It concludes with some reflections on the future of these relations in both cities.
