Speaking following a European Round Table on anti-Semitism and Islamophobia on 20 March, European Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou commented on the dangers of the conflict in the Gulf for communities in Europe. “We saw during the last Gulf War a dramatic increase in attacks on Muslims and people of Arab origin. And more recently, we have witnessed violent anti-Semitism as a reaction to tensions in Israel and Palestine. We must do everything we can to avoid a repetition of those excesses in response to the new conflict in the Gulf.”
Political leaders, religious leaders and community leaders must accept their responsibility and take action now to promote co-operation and understanding between the different groups in society.
The Round Table concluded that we must promote “a culture of healing”. A culture is the result of thousands of small acts, apparently insignificant in isolation, but powerful in combination.
Leaders at all levels and in all walks of life must have the courage now more than ever to challenge racism and to promote the culture of healing.”
(Irwin News)
