Je Suis Juif

Dear Friends,

Everywhere you go in France you see signs of solidarity and unity after the terrorist attacks last week on the offices of Charlie Hebdo and the kosher grocery store.  There was non-stop coverage of the national unity march yesterday in Paris.  It is estimated that there were more than 1 million people from all over Europe and from all walks of life.  The signs of unity were everywhere.  One that struck me the most was a young Muslim woman who was near the site of kosher grocery store attack carrying a sign that read "Je sis Juif" (I am Jewish) in a show of solidarity with the victims of the attack, the family and friends of the victims and the entire Jewish community in France.  There are many such signs now.

The reports of the march stressed the true solidarity of the French people for each other regardless of religion.  The Grand Synagogue of Paris was closed last Friday because of the threat of attack.  It was the first time that services had not been held there since World War II.  The service last night was attended by President Hollande and Prime Minister Netanyahu as well one of the leaders of the French Muslim community and other dignitaries.  It was a show of solidarity against extremists, bigots and hate and fear mongers.

The general public here as well as commentators talk freely about the need for the French government and the society as a whole to be more purposeful about integrating Muslims into the community and speaking out against those who stoke fear and hatred of "others".  In France it seems that all of the mainline parties are in agreement that in order to stop the radicalisation of Islam, all people must be integrated into the society and given hope for a good life.  There seems to be a general understanding that the actions and lack of action by the French government which excluded Muslims played a role in the radicalisation process.

Another item on the news yesterday was a report about young Muslims who are giving more impetuous to the reform movement within Islam.  It is a very hopeful sign.  So together with the signs from the national unity march in Paris, I have more hope today that this world can learn to be a single community while continuing to maintain its wonderful and significant diversity.

Thanks for reading and please comment,
The Unabashed Liberal