A Muslim couple from Nazareth have built their own succah and are inviting Jews and Arabs to join mark succot with them in an effort to build bridges between the two communities.

Khalil and Reem Bakly decided to build their own succah – which meets the strict religious requirements – so they could invite their Jewish friends over for food and conversation.

Mr Bakly, who works as a dentist as does his wife, told Haaretz “one of the triggers was a conversation I had at the time with my Jewish office manager in Netanya.

“I had asked her to come to my clinic here in Upper Nazareth to train the staff, and she asked me if it was safe to come.

“That really took me by surprise. I mean I couldn’t believe she thought Nazareth was unsafe, but it made me realize how much all of us – not just Jews, but Arabs as well – tend to stereotype one another.”

He said the reason Jews and Arabs stereotype one another is “we never really make any effort sit down together and try to get to know one another.”

He and his wife hope their succah will provide that opportunity.

The 45-year-old, who lives with his wife, 39, and their three children, said Succot was his favourite Jewish holiday.

“I love that it’s such an outdoors holiday.”

Mr Bakly told Haaretz that Jews and Arabs in Israel spend too much time talking about politics and the things that divide them, and not enough about the things they have in common.

“Talk to them and you’ll see that Jews and Arabs have the same complaints about the schools and hospitals in this country.

“Domestic violence exists in both societies, and so does cancer. But we never seem to talk about these problems and how we can overcome them together.”

Those visiting the Succah will have the opportunity to take part in a two-hour panel discussion at on issues affecting women in Israel.

Another panel will feature Jewish and Arab writers and actors talking about the arts and literature.