Last night in Paris, under the auspices of Hassen Chalghoumi and Omar Ahrfouch, several hundred diplomatic, political, religious, and intellectual figures gathered at the InterContinental Paris for the Iftar of Peace, the annual Ramadan iftar dinner. This interfaith gathering, which has become a significant event in the capital over the years, once again highlighted the importance of dialogue between cultures and religions in an international context marked by tensions.
The evening was jointly organized by Hassen Chalghoumi, imam of Drancy and president of the Conference of Imams of France, and by pianist and composer Omar Harfouch. It was hosted by Ariel Wizman, who provided the presentation and guided the evening's proceedings before several hundred guests.
Among the distinguished guests was the United States Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, who attended with his wife. His presence lent a particularly international dimension to this interfaith meeting, which has become, over the years, an important forum for dialogue between communities in Paris.
The evening also brought together several French political figures. Among them was Mathieu Lefèvre, Minister Delegate to the Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, and International Climate and Nature Negotiations, responsible for Ecological Transition. Other political figures were also in attendance, including Manuel Valls, former Prime Minister, and Éric Dupond-Moretti, former Minister of Justice. Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies was also present.
The Olive Tree of Peace for Donald Trump
It should be noted that a Peace Olive Tree award was presented to US President Donald Trump. The "trophy" was handed to the US ambassador, who was responsible for personally delivering it to the American president.
Rabbis and imams meet for dialogue
True to its interfaith mission, the Iftar of Peace brought together several religious leaders who had already attended previous editions. The Chief Rabbi of France, Haïm Korsia, participated in the evening, as did Jonathan Arfi, President of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France.
Alongside Hassen Chalghoumi, several imams from France and Europe had also made the trip, continuing the tradition of this Iftar which brings together Muslim and Jewish representatives every year in a spirit of dialogue and fraternity.
Marek Halter, a leading figure in interreligious dialogue
The intellectual world was represented by the writer Marek Halter, a recognized figure in the dialogue between religions and a long-time advocate of rapprochement between cultures.
During his speech, he emphasized the importance of dialogue between religions and cultures in the face of current global tensions. Hailing the meeting as a symbol of fraternity and coexistence, he drew upon historical and religious references to illustrate his point.
He specifically mentioned the example of Caliph Omar who, after the conquest of Jerusalem in 637, allowed the return of the Jews to the city, emphasizing that history also includes moments of coexistence between peoples.
Marek Halter also highlighted initiatives undertaken against terrorism, such as a march of several thousand kilometers led by Muslims to promote peace. Concluding his remarks, he asserted that civilization begins when people renounce violence and choose dialogue.
"When words replace violence, that's when you become brothers."
Omar Harfouch performs his "Concerto for Peace"
A highlight of the evening was when Omar Harfouch performed an excerpt from his "Concerto for Peace" on the piano for about ten minutes, in front of the entire assembly and in particular in front of the American ambassador.
This work, presented at several international events, symbolizes the idea that music can become a universal language in the service of peace.
Imam Chalghoumi calls for defending peace against extremism
In his speech, Imam Hassen Chalghoumi emphasized the need to defend the values of peace, freedom, and brotherhood. He reminded everyone that Ramadan is a time for coming together and showing solidarity among peoples.
He also warned against the rise of radical Islamism and the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, which he considers a dangerous ideology for democratic societies and for Islam itself.
The imam denounced regimes and movements that use religion to impose an authoritarian political project and called for awareness and strong decisions to protect societies against these abuses.
At the same time, he defended initiatives promoting peace and dialogue in the Middle East, including the Abraham Accords, and called for increased concrete actions against extremism, such as marches and interfaith initiatives.
He concluded with a message of hope: "Despite the tensions, despite the crises, despite the threats, we must maintain confidence and hope. Because peace and brotherhood are stronger than hatred and darkness. May this blessed month be for each of us a source of light and wisdom." May God bless France and make us all sincere builders of peace.
Manuel Valls recalls the values of the Republic
Speaking next, Manuel Valls praised the commitment of Imam Chalghoumi and Marek Halter to dialogue between religions and peace, highlighting the courage they have shown for many years.
He reiterated his commitment to the values of the French Republic: freedom of conscience, secularism and the possibility for everyone to believe or not to believe, while respecting the religions present in French society.
He also stressed the importance of dialogue between Jews, Christians and Muslims, believing that this coexistence constitutes a strong image of France in the face of the tensions and caricatures that sometimes exist.
In the second part of his speech, he addressed international issues, particularly the situation in Iran. He denounced the mullahs' regime, which he accused of supporting terrorism and threatening regional stability as well as Israel.
According to him, the weakening of this regime would constitute a significant blow to political Islam and extremist movements. He concluded by affirming the need to defend an Islam compatible with democratic and republican values, distinct from radical Islamism.
A Ramadan event that has become unmissable
Over the years, the Iftar of Peace has become an important event during Ramadan in Paris. By bringing together diplomats, political leaders, rabbis, imams, and figures from civil society around the same table, the evening of March 10th once again highlighted the importance of dialogue between cultures and religions in a world marked by tensions.
