A march of European Muslims in places hit by terrorism with Christians and Jews joining in
The event is set for 8-14 July in European cities touched by terrorism like Paris, Brussels and Nice. Some 60 imams will join in along with ordinary Muslims, members of other religions and even atheists. Islam has to finally “dot the i's and cross the t's” and distance itself from Islamism. A strong message is needed against terrorists trying to divide the people of Europe.
Paris (AsiaNews) – After so many Islamist attacks in several European capitals and cities, after so many victims murdered in the name of Islam, Western Muslims have woken up and decided to march next month from Berlin to Paris, passing through Brussels, St Etienne-du-Rouvray, Toulouse, and Nice.
This march by Muslims is against Islamist terrorism, against those who took Islam hostage and allow themselves to kill in his name. This march is an important step to avoid the generalisations that follow every terrorist attack. This march will achieve two things: either Muslims will stand against Islamism and Islamist terrorism or they will unmask themselves.
Last week, Germany saw Muslims rally against Islamist terrorism, with few participants because Germany’s largest Muslim association opposed it. Let me ask a question: Do they agree with the crimes committed in the name of Islam? As the saying goes, "Silence gives consent!” How can you not expect Westerners not to be afraid of Islam? I think the time has finally come to dot the i's and cross the t's.
The great march will take place in July across Europe. The great idea of organising the march goes to the imam of Drancy, Hassan Chalghoumi, a very modern imam who advocates an Islam of values and spirituality. I consider this as a march to salvage what is left of our honour. Mr Eric Gozlan, executive director of ‘Union des Peuples pour la Paix’ (Union of Peoples for Peace) and French writer Marek Halter will take part in the organisation.
The march will be like a sort of pilgrimage, between 8 and July 14. It will go through European cities that have recently been touched by Islamist terrorism: Paris, Nice, Saint Etienne-du-Rouvray, Toulouse, Brussels, Berlin and London. In the various cities, the march will be welcomed by important figures and leaders, like the German Chancellor, the Belgian Prime Minister, and the French President.
It is noteworthy that the Muslim march against Islamist terrorism will involve more than 60 French imams alongside practicing and non-practicing Muslims. They will not be alone to denounce terrorism committed in the name of religion; Catholics, Jews, secularists, atheists and various associations, including Ni putes, ni soumises (Neither whores, nor submissive), will walk along with Muslims as a token of solidarity, unity and fraternity. This is a very strong message against Daesh (Islamic State) and the terrorist groups that are trying to divide the people of Europe.
The initiative is backed by Dr Mohamed Izzat Khatab, president of an NGO and a Franco-Syrian businessman who does a lot for peace in the Middle East. Help is also coming from many other places, without which the march would not be possible according to organisers.
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