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Following are excerpts from a TV report on an interfaith initiative by Drancy Imam Chalghoumi, which aired on France 24 Arabic TV on April 9, 2014:
Reporter: The initiative by the Drancy Mosque imam to unite Jews, Christians, and Muslims around Holocaust remembrance may arouse controversy. The guests laid wreaths at the Jewish Holocaust memorial at Drancy. The initiative was welcomed by the participants.
Arabic-speaking priest: Religion always calls for amity, and amity prevents extremism. Religion means peace, because one cannot embrace God without peace in his heart.
Reporter: The meeting, organized by the preacher Hassen Chalghoumi, culminated in a visit to the Holocaust museum, a step that might arouse questions. Chalghoumi became a controversial figure after publishing a book about the Muslims in France, and he faced harsh criticism because of his religious views, nevertheless, today he seems proud of his initiative, and ready to face the response of the Arab public.
Hassen Chalghoumi: The Koran says: "Declare what you are commanded to do." We fear no one but our Lord. We aim to display the humanity of Mankind. This is not political. This visit honors humanity and wards off evil.
Reporter: The message that Chalghoumi wished to convey was indeed received. The chief rabbi of France understood the message, and admitted that the Jews have not done enough for the Muslims.
Chief Rabbi of France: We must admit that we have not done everything in our power in order to draw closer to the Muslims, but we are here today to support Imam Chalghoumi's movement.
Reporter: This is the second annual meeting to be organized by the Imam of the Drancy Mosque, Hassen Chalghoumi, a controversial figure in France. He was the one who "opened fire" on the extremist Islamists, and he also headed a delegation to Israel. Today, he brought together over 300 people of different faiths in the city of Drancy.
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