Strasbourg, November 13th, 2010
It is mostly members of the Turkish immigrant community that are the backbone behind this Mosque, situated steps away from the Meinau Stadium in Strasbourg. This mosque, run by the Muslim community of Milli Gorus, is the main meeting place for retirees who gave their youth to the rebuilding of post-war France.
This old factory, transformed into a mosque for over 10 years is one of the visible markers of the Muslim community in our city. Along with the Grand Mosque of Strasbourg, it also represents the increasing xenophobia and Islamophobia around us. Today, worshippers are openly threatened.
The Envelop received by the authorities of the Eyyub Sultan Mosque prove that the threat is near. In additions to white powder that signals that a future chemical attack is a possibility, the envelop containing a partially burnt page of the Quran along with a message telling Muslims to 'leave France while there is still time, the choice is yours: suitcase or coffin' signed by the 'Movement for European Liberation,' shows the high hateful character of these incidents.
After several months of an escalation of violence in these attacks and despite complaints from politicians, this is Islamophobia in action. These are quite simply acts of terrorism and the action against this type of behavior has to be escalated.
Today, the clear choice is to come out on the side of Peace, social cohesion, respect, and mutual understanding, to live together to build a future where everyone has a fair and equal position in society. This side will stand in opposition against those who choose blood and barbarism, hate and terror. The citizens of Strasbourg have a duty to be on the side of Peace, and they need to show it once in a while.
The debate that we will have on November 23rd between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. within the framework of the 2nd European Congress of Citizenship at the European Parliament of Strasbourg, will have as a goal to outline our identity as Europeans.
Bashy Quraishy
Coordinator
Press Release : Once again in Alsace Region (France) the
Islamophobic threat against the Strasbourg Eyyub Sultan Mosque
show us that the danger is nearby.
Contest of Most beautiful Minaret in Europe
EMISCO with its partners and the support of Council of Europe, COJEP International, ISESCO and Organisation of Islamic Conference have launched a contest to select the most beautiful existing Minaret in Europe through a photographic competition which was closed today.
EMISCO with its partners and the support of Council of Europe, COJEP International, ISESCO and Organisation of Islamic Conference have launched a contest to select the most beautiful existing Minaret in Europe through a photographic competition which was closed today.
Colloquium in Geneva
At UNOG, on Friday, 10 December 2010, EMISCO will participate to the Colloquium organised by COJEP International on "Radicalizations as Threats for our Democracies".
At UNOG, on Friday, 10 December 2010, EMISCO will participate to the Colloquium organised by COJEP International on "Radicalizations as Threats for our Democracies".
Side Event during the next OSCE Review Conference in Warsaw
Today, it is very important to join our efforts to building Trust and Co-operation between civil society and law enforcement agencies in combating anti-Muslim hate crimes.
Today, it is very important to join our efforts to building Trust and Co-operation between civil society and law enforcement agencies in combating anti-Muslim hate crimes.
Press Release
Emisco Manifesto
On 18th of December 2010, participants from various countries gathered in The Hague, in The Netherlands, to discuss the idea of creating a vibrant network with the involvement and support of other similar-minded stakeholders. Their belief is that a fuller and better participation of Muslim communities in the societies in which they live requires a new thinking, extra resources and closer cooperation through an in-depth consultation process. It was also mentioned at the meeting that an active participation of Muslim minorities in all spheres of their new homes would make true mutual integration possible, where sense of belonging and judicial protection would be facilitated. A decision was taken to call the new organization European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion - EMISCO. The initiative is an independent, non-religious, non-party political and non-governmental body.More...
Recent Discussions
Dear President Obama,
As a great supporter and admirer of your energetic position and efforts on improving relations between USA with the Islamic world, I was both heartened and sad by your recent statements concerning the whole proposed incident of Quran burning in Florida.
Let me first explain why, I with a non-practicing Muslim background felt disappointed and hurt. More...