So-called Islamist terrorists
have grown up in our midst and it is the task of all religions
to fight against the divisive walls that some would raise, the
imam of Catania said Tuesday.
"Some are trying to portray what is going on as a clash
between civilizations," said Kheit Abdelhafid, who is also the
president of the Islamic Communities of Sicily.
"But the terrorists have grown up in our midst...they are
often marginalized youth who don't find a place in society,
becoming easy prey for those wanting to drag them into a spiral
of violence".
"It our job and the task of each one of us to change
society," Abdelhafid said.
"As a man of faith, a Muslim, the sacred text tells me I
must engage in dialogue... It is not the first time religions
have been used for such dirty ends. It is the task of men of
faith to fight against and bring down these walls, that some are
trying to build within our society".
The imam spoke at an event involving 120 youths from 17
Italian regions called Siracusa Summer Campus.
Asked if he thought a society without walls is possible,
the imam said "I am trustful. The clash is the end, it is
destruction. Exchange is life, the future".
"The situation in Italy is better than in other countries,
but it varies from region to region," he added.
"Sicily today is a model: it is the place in which the way
of dialogue is taking root. Sicily, placed at the center of the
Mediterranean, is a bridge between two cultures - a garden
between two worlds".
Asked what he thought of Pope Francis, the imam said "the
world is fortunate to have such a pope. I often quote him. He is
a man who goes against the current. The most important thing (is
to find) the right words that reach people's hearts".
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