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Several hundred religious, political, diplomatic, and cultural figures gathered in Paris on Tuesday night for the annual “Iftar of Peace,” hosted by French Imam Hassen Chalghoumi to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Chalghoumi — Imam of the Drancy Mosque and Chairman of the Conference of Imams of France — is a leading anti-extremism advocate known for his deep commitment to Muslim-Jewish partnership. Last summer, he was honored by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) at a special luncheon in Tel Aviv during a visit to Israel.
Prominent guests at Tuesday’s event included U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner, former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Chief Rabbi of France Haïm Korsia, Ambassador of Israel to France Joshua Zarka, and President of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF) Jonathan Arfi, among others.
The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) was represented by Director of European Affairs Shannon Seban.
In his remarks, Chalghoumi underscored the need for interfaith solidarity. He also warned of the dangers posed to democratic societies by the rise of Islamism and the growing influence of the Muslim Brotherhood.
“Despite the tensions, despite the crises, despite the threats, we must maintain confidence and hope,” Chalghoumi told the audience. “Because peace and fraternity are stronger than hatred and darkness.”
Seban said, “At a time when extremists try to exploit conflicts to spread hatred between communities, the ‘Iftar of Peace’ sends the opposite message — that Jews, Muslims, Christians, and citizens of all backgrounds can stand together.”
“Every year, attending the ‘Iftar of Peace’ organized by Imam Chalghoumi is a deeply meaningful moment for me,” she added. “Imam Chalghoumi is a true builder of peace, and this evening embodies the conviction that far more unites us than separates us.”
Read more: ‘The Time Is Now’: French Imam Chalghoumi’s Call for Interfaith Coexistence During Israel Visit
