FIOE-Statement from 06.03.2010
The Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe warns of the grave nature of the escalating Israeli aggressions against Islamic holy sites in Palestine
The Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe has followed with great alarm the escalating trend in aggressions and violations committed by the Israeli occupation authorities against Islamic holy sites, and the historic features and heritage of civilisation in Palestine, especially in the cities of Al-Quds—Jerusalem, Alkhalil—Hebron, and Bethlehem, which signals seriously dangerous repercussions.
It is highly apparent that the Israeli occupation forces have continued to desecrate the spaces and environs of the blessed al-Aqsa Mosque, and perpetrated all forms of inhumane treatment on the Palestinian civilians offering their ritual daily prayers there. In the latest developments, these forces attacked the sacred mosque en masse through all its gates on Friday, 5 March 2010; paying no regard to the sanctity of the site, representing the first direction of prayer for Muslims, and the destination of the miraculous night journey, al-Israa, of the Messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him, and one of the three most important mosques in Islam, alongside the Holy Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.
These developments come only days after the occupation forces viciously attacked the prayer congregation in al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday, 28 February 2010, in the aftermath of the wide-scale and fierce confrontations by the occupation forces a few days before in the city of al-Khalil—Hebron, site of the noble Ibrahimi Mosque.
These horrific developments clearly reflect long-term Israeli official policy aimed at taking control of Islamic holy sites in Palestine; in addition to the pressure on Christian places of worship, and obstructing Palestinian Christian congregations from freely accessing their places of worship, even on days of religious celebration, by the Israeli authorities.
What confirms the Israeli government’s inclination towards brute escalation is the latest decision announced by the Israeli government on 21 February 2010, which resolved the addition of the sacred Ibrahimi Mosque in the city of al-Khalil—Hebron, and the Bilal bin Rabah Mosque (called by the Israeli occupation authorities as Rachel’s Tomb) in Bethlehem, both situated in the occupied West Bank, to the list of Israeli historical sites. This step represents an inflammatory violation of religious feelings and a provocation to Muslims everywhere; in addition to its flagrant violation of international law and its rules regarding occupied territories, which is what the Israeli authorities have long done without hesitation.
These developments have swiftly recalled a series of Israeli violations of sacred sites in Palestine, especially as the decision concerning the Ibrahimi and Bilal bin Rabah mosques coincided with the 16th anniversary of the massacre committed by the Israeli settler, Baruch Goldstein, using weapons supplied by the occupation authorities, inside the Ibrahimi Mosque on 25 February 1994, killing 29 Palestinian worshippers as they were performing the dawn prayer there.
The Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe as it followed with great alarm the rapid succession of developments, and the horrific violations and provocations, expresses its brotherly solidarity with the unarmed Palestinian people suffering under Israeli military occupation, yet
unwilling to abandon sacred sites, cultural heritage, or rightful possessions. The Federation, at the same time, calls on the entire Muslim Ummah to stand up to its responsibilities in protecting its sacred sites, and liberating them from this wicked occupation. The Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe also calls attention to Europe's responsibility in reining in Israeli extremism fuelled by a notion of power, and in exposing the continuing crimes and violations committed without let by the Israeli authorities and their military forces.
No doubt that neglect in face of these grave practices will only invite the extremist far right Israeli government to go even further in its violation of international law and human rights, and its flagrant disregard for human values, moral standards, and international norms.
30.11.2009
The Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe (FIOE):
The referendum in Switzerland on places of worship is a sad setback to the obligations regarding religious freedom
The message of hate directed at Muslims is seriously troubling, and must be renounced and remedied
With great sadness, the Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe (FIOE) received the results of the referendum carried out in Switzerland on Sunday, 29 November 2009.
The Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe considers this an unfortunate retreat from the obligations of protecting
religious freedom and human rights, not in keeping with Switzerland's standing and values.
No doubt, that well before that, the mere idea of putting issues related to religious freedom and
human rights to vote is quite unacceptable and unjustifiable. Furthermore, the situation where the
majority votes on issues related to the rights of the minority is fundamentally at odds with the spirit
of democracy, which cannot be allowed to be used as an open door to incitement, and an excuse to
pit citizens against their fellow partners in society.
The Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe has followed with deep disquiet, the events of the
past months and weeks in Switzerland—the charging of Swiss public opinion against Muslims, and
feeding selective racism and political extremism, in a clear gamble on disturbing the stability of that
society, under the pretext of banning minarets.
These developments are cause for serious worry, and indicate a state of retreat, in some European
countries, in fundamental rights and religious freedoms. This is what requires revision and treatment
at all levels. We consider the inflammatory campaigns that took place, as undermining the values,
which Switzerland and European societies value above all else. It is worth noting that such
campaigns, which feed a culture of extremism and bigotry are a disservice to any country regardless,
or any society that prides itself on upholding human values, and moral obligations.
On this occasion, we invite officials, public opinion leaders, human rights organisations, and civic
society institutions to work towards preserving civil liberties, and confront the results of this vote,
which restricts the rights of Muslims to practise their religion.
We are also confident that Muslims in Switzerland shall remain ever concerned, as do their partners
in society, with reinforcing the foundations of consensus, and pillars of harmony that must not be
eroded, or surrendered under whatever pretext.
http://euro-muslim.net
