Muslim religious leaders from across the continent publicly condemned the actions of Hamas while articulating the peaceful tenets of Islam.
A delegation of European imams, religious leaders and theologians organized by the European Leadership Network (ELNET) arrived on July 6 at Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport.
The delegation was led by a French imam, Hassen Chalghoumi, a well-known religious scholar. I was a part of the delegation, which included imams from Italy, France, the Netherlands and other European nations.
Oct. 7, 2023, marked a significant event that affected the world, particularly in countries with Muslim populations. Individuals and groups from backgrounds including the religious, political and secular worlds, publicly expressed support for the Palestinians in Gaza.
Since Oct. 7, several Muslim political and religious peace activists who had previously expressed support for Israel refrained from making public statements. Only a limited number of individuals within the global Muslim community publicly expressed opposition to Hamas and voiced support for Israel’s defensive military actions in Gaza.
The Jewish nation worldwide, particularly in Israel, experienced a perceived absence of support from the Muslim community. This situation posed a significant challenge for people advocating Islam as a religion of peace. Since Oct. 7, the Jewish community has sought public condemnation from Muslim leaders and religious institutions regarding the barbaric actions of Hamas on Oct. 7, which were carried out in the name of Islam.
