Today in Brussels, a conference titled “The World After October 7th” was organized by the European Association for the Defense of Minorities and the World Council for Public Diplomacy and Community Dialogue. Imam Hassen Chalgoumi was the keynote speaker. Andy Vermaut, president of the WCPDCD, opened the debate by highlighting Imam Chalgoumi’s leadership and the importance of promoting peace and dialogue, as well as combating antisemitism in Europe. Manel Msalmi, president of the EADM, moderated the debate and spoke about the October 7th attacks, emphasizing the rise in antisemitic attacks and the need to fight hatred and extremism.
Imam Chalgoumi compared the events of October 7th to the September 11th attacks, stressing that the Hamas attacks shocked the entire world. He discussed the alliance between various Islamist groups and warned of the dangers to global security. In Europe, he expressed concerns about the growing support for Islamist ideologies, often backed by far-left and far-right groups, which exacerbate divisions and fears.
The imam called for concrete actions to combat extremism, emphasizing the importance of education, strict legislation, and support for moderate voices. He also highlighted the role of the media and the internet in radicalization, calling for responsible use and youth education. The conference concluded with a debate involving young people, enriching the dialogue on these crucial issues.