Bridging divides in European Society through inclusive partnerships and sustainable interventions

We all know the devastating impact hate speech can have in a society, how it can
create division, radicalise a person into thinking and acting in a US versus THEM
narrative and lead to aggression, discrimination, and dehumanisation of others. And
it is this dehumanisation that then can lead to violence.
I want to start with saying that I believe that minority communities could be also
perpetrators of hatred, bigotry and racism. No community is fully immune to
radicalisation.
Our Jewish communities can be Islamophobic, Our Muslim communities can be Anti
Semetic, Our minority communities can have internal racism. Anti black racism is a
huge problem in Arab countries. Even within Pakistani society there is complexion
discrimination. Within Europe some Muslims can be worst perpetrators of
homophobia. Within Ireland many new migrants have blindly taken on anti-traveller
racism.
I believe it is important that as faith leaders and as people that believe in
accountability in a higher power that we also while demanding our rights also hold
ourselves socially, politically and spiritually accountable.
A multi-dimensional approach is required to tackle hate speech and firstly a sincere
and honest reflection from all of us all is required.
This multi-dimensional approach should be from a legal, educational and social
angle.
Hate crime legislation
Many countries in Europe do not have hate crime legislation. It is firstly important to
have criminal law legislation at EU level against xenophobic hate speech and hate
crime.
However, criminalisation legislation isn’t the only way forward and solution. While it
combats hate crime and hate speech it does NOT prevent it.
A string robust response comes through cohesion, integration and bridge building.
Firstly, collaboration between faith communities is required. 3 years ago European
Rabbis and European Imams came together in Amsterdam to form the MJLC
(Muslim Jewish Leaders Council) in order to collaborate on many future projects to
tackle challenges our communities face such as hate speech.
Although the prejudice about each other is mostly not found in leadership level and
in fact Rabbis, Priests, Imams can really have a good time together. I remember just
before the Pandemic hit the MJLC met in Matera (Italy). It happened to be my
birthday and on that day Imams and Rabbis both sang together Happy Birthday for
me.
So mostly this prejudice is on the grass root level. More collaboration is required on that
level and Religious leaders should promote the value of peaceful coexistence and inclusivity
especially within their own communities.
The essence of all faiths is to promote humanity.
As Muslim faith leader, I am reminded by this verse of the Qur’an that speaks about
diversity and our differences but yet our common Humanity.
The remedy to this has been Education.
Once we know more about each other, we will get rid of the misconceptions and the
fears we have about the other.

• Educating our own communities about the other. Inviting the other to come
  and engage in dialogue. In Ireland, many years ago we invited a Holocaust
  survivor Tomi Reichental. We also invited members of the LGBT community
  during Ramadan in an Iftar dinner. This bridge building and sincere and honest
  approach was appreciated. Eid in Croke Park.
• In primary schools children are taught about the LGBT community and
  Travellers community, rightly So in order to create understanding from a
  young age. Similarly children should be taught about other faith communities.
  Imams, Rabbis, Priests, Pandits should be visiting schools to speak to young
  children or school visits to the Mosques, Churches and Synagogues.
• Most of our minority communities have weekend classes for our children.
  Muslims have weekend Qur’an schools for example. In such classes, there
  should be also more interfaith dialogue and diversity.
  Monitoring
• Reporting of Hate crimes should be made easy. An online portal.
• Training within faith communities about hate crime and how to respond to it
  but also training of government officials, members of law enforcement to
  combat institutional racism is important