Brussels, Belgium – “Therefore the necessity at present for this sort of debate, which allows a non secular minority to discover a clear, respectful house during which to specific their faith responsibly and transparently, inside a democratic framework,” affirmed Lahcen Hammouch in an tackle final week to the European Parliament. The journalist and residing collectively in peace activist gave remarks on November thirtieth as a part of a convention on safeguarding the rights of non secular minorities.
Organized by French MEP Maxette Pirbakas, the working assembly convened numerous spiritual teams to debate experiences in Europe. In his speech, Hammouch, CEO of the Brussels-based outlet Bruxelles Media, drew on an upbringing that nurtured interfaith bonds. Rising up in Morocco, “we’ve lived along with the Jewish neighborhood since we have been kids,” he recalled. But upon immigrating to Belgium at 18, Hammouch encountered unfamiliar racism and divisions.
Within the wake of “terrorist assaults in Europe by radical Islamist extremists”, dialogue has turn into extra pressing, Hammouch argued. “Therefore the necessity at present for everybody – Black, White, Blue, Yellow, Inexperienced – to speak to one another,” he emphasised, even the place full settlement proves inconceivable. His work centres on facilitating such conversations by media platforms, seminars and “apéros of range” involving numerous philosophies and non secular organizations.
Whereas acknowledging that the Muslim neighborhood faces prejudice, Hammouch distinguished the faith’s non secular core from the political ideology of Islamism. His forthcoming guide explores this complicated panorama. “There may be after all an Islam of peace, a standard Islam, an Islam of values,” he wrote. “After which there’s an Islamism which carries a political undertaking.”
By offering a discussion board for pluralistic change, Hammouch urged, occasions just like the convention organized by French MEP Pirbakas, allow clear understanding between folks of various backgrounds. Thanking the MEP for her efforts, he reiterated the necessity for a “respectful house” the place spiritual minorities can voice their beliefs freely as integral members of European democracies.