French Imam Champions Peace Amidst Threats: A Stand for Israel and Humanity

The quiet in the Drancy district of Seine-Saint-Denis, France, was a prelude to unrest. As evening fell, casting shadows over the narrow streets, unusual voices resonated from the city mosque, An-Noor: "The people of Israel are a nation of miracles," echoed through the air, "Hamas is the enemy of the Palestinians."

The event took a turn as dozens of imams gathered for a conference. Suddenly, 80 masked individuals stormed the mosque, targeting Imam Hassan Chalghoumi with insults, violence, and death threats. For an hour, they sowed fear and chaos within the mosque's walls. Since then, Chalghoumi moves with tight security around the clock.

This wasn't the first time Chalghoumi, head of the Conference of Imams of France, faced violence. After visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Drancy, intruders ransacked his home. His stand with the Jewish people and his denunciation of radical Islam have earned him the derogatory title "The Imam of the Jews" from his detractors. They launch campaigns against him, attempting to delegitimize his efforts.

Don't Trust Wikipedia

At 54, Hassan Chalghoumi is perhaps the most threatened Muslim cleric in the world. Born in Tunisia, a nation with no formal diplomatic ties to Israel, he fondly remembers, "Tunisia was once a country of tolerance. Jews lived in Djerba, La Goulette, and Gammarth, enjoying friendly relations with Muslims." Though educated at Tunisia's moderate Al-Zaytouna Institute, he received his imam certification from a "madrasa" in Pakistan, a nation often linked to radical Islam.

Chalghoumi clarifies, "Pakistan has both moderate and extremist schools. It depends on the individual and their choices. One shouldn't be judged solely by their educational background. I'm a person of faith and peace, aiming to lead Islam toward modernity. I believe in homeland, humanity, and humanism, and regard followers of other faiths as brothers in humanity."

Critics say you once held extremist views and are linked to a radical movement in Pakistan.

"In my youth, I was perhaps conservative but never extremist," he asserts. "Don't trust the distortions in Wikipedia, often influenced by radical leftists and Islamist supporters."

What underpins the moderation you represent? The Quran and Hadiths often have extremist interpretations, for example, the notorious 'Trees and Stones' Hadith.

"The Quran is subject to various interpretations; each verse was revealed within a specific context. Generalizations or distortions are unfair. Many false Hadiths exist, like the one suggesting the killing of Jews hiding behind trees or stones. It's entirely false, distorted, and contradictory.

"Islam accommodates numerous interpretations, varying by country," Chalghoumi continues. "Individuals can choose their path; moderation is based on three principles: good education, a supportive environment, and knowledge. With these, choosing the right path is easy. Without them, extremism becomes an accessible lure."

A Nation of Miracles

Chalghoumi believes in a moderate path as the true course for Muslims, despite the extremist calls within Islam. "The Jewish people are mentioned dozens of times in the Quran; nearly a third of the verses. This is why I've always supported them."

Why do you really do this? What drives you to stand with the Jewish people?

"My fight aims to free Islam from Islamism, a threat to humanity," Chalghoumi declares. "One of my goals is to bridge Jews and Muslims, showing love to the Jewish people. They are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I defend them out of love and a remembrance of their historical suffering. This small nation, which I call 'the people of miracles,' always rises against its enemies, proving to the world what courage and valor truly mean."

You pay a heavy price.

"True, I pay dearly for this friendship with the Jewish people, but I accept it proudly and lovingly because Allah is with me. It takes great courage to do what I do, but I am genuine and face the consequences."

Is it a daily price?

"For almost two decades, I've lived under constant police protection, wearing a bulletproof vest," he shares. "I've been targeted by death sentences from ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, and even Fatah members. I've faced numerous attacks and assassination attempts and was targeted by the ‘Sheikh Yassine Collective’ in France for months.

"I file police reports almost every fortnight. Sadly, after my visit to Israel, death threats increased, forcing me to file additional reports. Consequently, I frequently change residences and live in constant fear."

Chalghoumi reveals that he relocated his family abroad two decades ago: "They’re far away, effectively a half-day flight from France. My parents are ill, yet I can't visit Tunisia for fear of arrest and charges of treason."

Is it worth it?

"Not only is it worth it, but it is my true jihad: a jihad of love and peace. Visiting Israel is meeting a nation of miracles. Criticizing Israeli government policies is permissible, but there's no right to hate the people of Israel."

A Dream for Peace

Chalghoumi has visited Israel numerous times, meeting various public figures. Recently, he led a delegation of imams from around the world to areas near Gaza. "It was a particularly tough visit," he recounts emotionally. "Hamas isn't fighting for freedom but is a barbaric, horrific force committing unspeakable atrocities."

As head of the Conference of Imams of France, encompassing 80 imams, Chalghoumi plans to expand his influence globally. "I’ll soon launch the European Imams Conference, bringing together about 100 European imams who share my worldview. My dream is to liberate Islam from Islamism, a threat to mankind, and perhaps connect and unite everyone."

Chalghoumi believes his dream is attainable. "A mere two percent can influence the remaining ninety-eight," he quotes an Arabic proverb. "Minorities are always the brave ones. During a visit to a Holocaust memorial in the Czech Republic, a Holocaust survivor told me: 'The majority back then weren't Nazis, but they were silent and indifferent.' Here too, global naivety towards Hamas must end because Hamas is the enemy of the Palestinian people."

Are you optimistic that global silence will eventually end?

"I am more optimistic about Israel and the Middle East than Europe. Some Muslim countries, like the Emirates, are beacons in the fight against Islamism. However, regarding Europe, I am pessimistic: I fear cowardice, political calculations, and alliances with extreme-left parties.

"Despite these concerns, I don't stop dreaming and continue fighting alongside other brave voices. My visit to Israel with the imam delegation was to send a message of hope and peace. We received threats, some were deported, and I faced numerous death threats, but I will continue, and nothing will stop me."