Switzerland made the news again for the wrong reason. Right
wing leaders of the Central Democratic Union launched a popular initiative for
a constitutional ban on minarets, the domed-topped spires on mosques, the
Islamic architectural equivalent to the Christian steeple. On November 29th, the ban passed with
an alarming, 57.5 % percent of the vote. Only 4 cantons, the French speaking
ones, voted against it.
Xenophobic, racist, paranoid? C’mon where is the threat?
Muslims represent 5% of the country and only FOUR minarets exist in
Switzerland. So much for the image of peaceful, bucolic alpine country where
cow bells ring
« Switzerland is not racist. It is afraid, »
Youssef Ibram, the imam of the Geneva mosque insists. « We have failed to
communicate that terrorism is not part of the Koran. If there are Muslims who
have given Islam a negative image here or elsewhere, it should not be
generalized to the entire Muslim community. »
Though Switzerland was widely criticized across the
continent, a Euronews poll found that if a similar vote were taken in other
countries the outcome would be the same with 69% of Europeans banning
minarets.
To ban one’s religion, in effect, forbid one’s way of life,
is repression, not dialogue. It is a sad reflection of the world’s only true direct
democracy. Rather than making the country more secure, it fuels the extremists.
I, too, am afraid, but not of Muslims. I fear radicals in
any religion or government.
Prejudice is always based on fear and ignorance. We fear most that which we do not
understand. If we are truly a democratic society, freedom of speech and
religion are non-negotiable human rights and to tamper with this by changing
the constitution in a country that prides itself on multiculturalism is
abominable.
An Al Jazeera editorialist insists that a country that
prides itself on tolerance and humanitarian traditions, and values civil
liberties should practice what it preaches. How can a democratic society hold a
popular vote on a matter regarded as integral to freedom and rights?
The only ones applauding the Swiss action are the right wing
extremists and neo Nazis throughout Europe. Rabbis condemn the decision citing a Swiss law passed a
hundred years ago that banned Jewish practices in attempt to drive out the
Jewish population. According to Amnesty International spokesman, Manon Schick,
the ban violates international law guaranteeing religious freedom.
When my children studying in the States heard about the
vote, they were outraged. I still
remember, when as 6th grader my son visited temples, churches and mosques in
Geneva and claimed, « the mosque was the most welcoming. » Our
daughter, voicing a sentiment heard throughout the Swiss international
community, insists « It is unfathomable that issue ever came to vote in
the first place. »
That it passed reflects a greater underlying problem within
Switzerland and Europe. Over 30 million Muslims make up a part of Europe’s
social fabric. May the church bells and minarets round the world, calls us all
not only to worship the heavenly powers, but also to commune together with
mortals here on earth before it is too late.
Another thoughtful piece, Pat. Makes one realized that we haven't come very far at all in terms of reaching a better understanding between people. No matter what corners of the world we exist in, we have to keep trying to overcome the prejudices and fears that continue to create barriers...one individual at a time.
ReplyDeleteAmen, you got that right. And I know that is just what you do you every day in your valuable work with students in your learning support program. They are often times discriminated in schools just because, through no fault of their own,they have more difficulty learning in the traditional ways.
ReplyDelete