A delegation of imams from Israel was on a week-long official visit to France to meet with leaders of the Jewish and Muslim communities, Ynet news website reported.
The imams travelled at the invitation of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, in association with the Interior Ministry. The delegation includes religious leaders from Haifa, Jadeidi, Majd al-Kurum, Jaffa and Rahat.
The visit serves as a reciprocal visit to that of French imams who visited Israel in November, led by the imam of Drancy, Hassen Chalghoumi, who has been active for a number of years in promoting cooperation between Jews and Muslims, and in promoting the integration of Muslims into French society.
Chalghoumi has received frequent threats to his life and is protected by the French Police’s unit for personal security.
During the visit, the imams met with their French counterparts in the house of Israel ‘s ambassador to France, Yossi Gal, and prayed for peace. This was the first time that a Muslim prayer was held in the ambassador’s home.
A film showing the prayer was posted online and created n a storm of controversy in the Muslim community in France. A website associated with the Muslim Brotherhood attacked the religious leaders who visited the house of the Israeli ambassador. On the other hand, another imam who had been against the activities of Chalghoumi was so moved by the meeting that he went to meet the Israeli imams.
Israeli ambassador in Paris Yossi Gal said during the reception held at his residence, “This is a meeting between leaders of the Muslim community in Israel, and French imams who are loyal to their country, citizens who are proud of France, and promote a world view that is based on values of peace, patience and understanding. It is our duty to continue to work together against extremism, violence and hate."
At the reception were representatives of the French government and National Assembly, the Muslim community and non-governmental organizations, including representatives of Amnesty France.
The Israeli imams were interviewed by French media, including Radio Monte Carlo, and the interviews were later broadcast in Arab countries.