Faeser wants Islamic associations to take a clear stance
Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser calls on Muslim associations to take a stronger stance against anti-Semitism ahead of the German Islam Conference.
"It is also the responsibility of the major Islamic associations in Germany to speak out loudly and clearly against hatred of Jews and hostility towards Israel - in Friday prayers, in their communities or on their own social media channels. The large Islamic associations must help to ensure that anti-Semitic resentment does not spread further," the SPD politician told the Funke Mediengruppe newspapers. Here, she said, she would like to see more clarity from some associations. "Right now, we need to make the rise in anti-Semitism a topic at the German Islam Conference."
"We are taking tough action against Islamists, not against Islam"
Faeser also made it clear, however, that Muslims in Germany should under no circumstances be "held liable for Islamist terror". "We are taking tough action against Islamists, not against Islam. This differentiation is of the utmost importance". Any generalization is wrong and leads to division and exclusion. "Such a false general suspicion leads to new hostility towards Muslims, which is also a major problem in our country and which we are addressing just as clearly at the German Islam Conference," the Minister announced.
Following the terrorist attacks by the Islamist Hamas in Israel on October 7 and anti-Semitic incidents in Germany, this year's Islam Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday is entitled "Social peace and democratic cohesion: combating anti-Semitism and hostility towards Muslims in times of social division". According to the program, Faeser will be joined by former Federal President Christian Wulff, Family Minister Lisa Paus (Greens) and the Federal Anti-Racism Commissioner, Reem Alabali-Radovan (SPD).
- Nancy Faeser emphasized that it's crucial for major Muslim associations in Germany to openly condemn hatred of Jews and hostility towards Israel, urging them to do so in their communal gatherings, social media, and Friday prayers.
- Faeser made it clear that while they are taking firm action against Islamist extremists, Muslims in Germany should not be held responsible for Islamist terrorism.
- Faeser and other political figures will discuss issues related to combating anti-Semitism and hostility towards Muslims at the German Islam Conference, which aims to promote social peace and democratic cohesion in times of division.
- Conflicts arise between the need for Muslim associations to actively confront anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, such as in the case of the German Islam Conference, while also avoiding the danger of lumping all Muslims together as potential threats due to incidents committed by extremist groups.
Source: www.dpa.com
