As one of the deputies who represented Germany in the European Parliament (EP) who shared the same seats with you, worked with deputies from the national parliaments from Germany and other EU countries and have experience in fighting against terrorism and racism while acting as a rapporteur for the EP during and after Sept. 11, I would like to address you after the terrorist attacks organized in Paris.
As a dual citizen of Turkey and Germany, I am well aware what the word "terror" means for our people. In Turkish, there is a nice saying: "An ember burns where it falls," which is certainly true. Turkey is a country that is suffering from terrorism and has sacrificed thousands of its citizens to fight terror for years. During my visit to Paris on Sunday with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, I remembered with deep sorrow how many people we have sacrificed to terrorism or racism so far.
Upon the invitation of the French government, Davutoğlu attended the Paris march in solidarity against terrorism, which was organized to express solidarity against the terrorist strike. The presence of Davutoğlu, who has played a considerable role in the Islamic world since 2002, in the march, along with other world leaders was meaningful. We all righteously condemn the terrorist strikes that claimed the lives of so many people.
It is essential for all people around the world to take to the streets and rally against terrorism. A more effectual cooperation between countries against terrorism is urgently required. However, I observed that there were certain points lacking in all the statements made, especially in Europe, following the attack. The attack was condemned and harsh messages were issued against terrorist organizations. So far so good.
Paris, the latest target of terrorism to be covered in blood, is located at the center of the EU, and there are millions of Muslims among the 500 million people living in the EU. They are all peaceful people and share the same feelings with other Europeans in the face of the violent terrorist attacks.
However, they rightfully became upset due to the fact that only a few of the early statements after the attack called for common sense.
In recent years, racism, and especially Islamophobia, which is as dangerous as terror, have started to target European Muslims in particular. This is a great problem still waiting to be resolved in most EU countries.
Following the terrorist attack in Paris, some reprisals were organized against mosques and Muslims in many places around the EU, and such attacks are continuing. The new developments that might arise out of this situation naturally worry Muslims living in Europe.
Muslims in Europe, who always endeavor to live in peace and totally reject terrorism and violence, since Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood, are both anxious and sad now since their life and property might be in danger and they are targeted by racists again. It is especially agonizing when their neighbors with whom they have lived peacefully so far now start to see them as suspects.
Some reactions and social demands on the agendas of some EU countries raise concerns. For example, in Germany, some politicians made some remarks alluding to the idea that the Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West (PEGIDA) was right by ignoring the fact that it is a racist movement. This is a desperate and unfortunate situation. The statements issued by the politicians from some racist and central parties, particularly in Germany and France, almost insulted Muslims and Islam, which is quite depressing.
Manipulating the terrorist attacks in Paris to serve Islamophobia actually poses a threat against social peace. It is precisely at times like these that we actually need to adopt a common attitude against all kinds of provocative activities and need to act with solidarity. If we cannot achieve that, terrorists organizing violent attacks like those in Paris will attain their goals.
The terrorists murdering people by exploiting Islam and the racists provoking people against Muslims by manipulating the impact of those terrorists actually constitute a coalition against peace.
The marches and meetings we organize, or legal measures we take, would never be enough to stand against them.
The racists, who are now on the rise particularly in the EU, with their aims to stand against the requirements of our age and with their provocations of war between cultures and religions must witness the power and will of the deputies who protect democracy at the national parliaments of the EU countries and at the EP. In the EU, protecting democracy and taking a stance against racism also means solidarity with European Muslims.
It is up to you to support European Muslims and make them feel at home. European Muslims still struggle against a whole host of problems due to discriminative practices and poor policies. They still have to face many nonsensical debates on the subjects of headscarves or circumcision. Despite official public holidays like Christmas or Easter, Muslims still cannot celebrate their own feasts such as Ramadan or Eid al-Adha since they are not public holidays.
However, declaring Muslim sacred days as public holiday should be normal for the EU, since Protestants and Catholics have official holidays on different dates.
As European Muslims and voters, we expect you to do what is required by taking steps regarding the issues I mentioned above.
In this sense, the Paris tragedy can be a positive turning point rather than a negative one toward ordering our lives in a more peaceful way.
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