The dignitaries of various faiths (notably Monseigneur André Marceau, Bishop of Nice, Maurice Niddam, President of the Consistory of Nice, Boubakeur Bekri, Vice-President of the Regional Council of the Muslim Faith) and the representative of the Nice municipality, Philippe Pradal, First Deputy, signed yesterday, in the presence of Sub-Prefect Sébastien Humbert, a Fraternity Pact. The pact aims to “promote intercultural rapprochements,” “combat all forms of discrimination,” and “educate younger generations about traditions.”
This engagement text encourages all believers to respect one another, based on better mutual understanding. This inter-religious dialogue is at the heart of its approach, enabling the fight against extremism, communal isolation, fanaticism, and violence.
Philippe Pradal welcomed this act with satisfaction: “This is the culmination of a long process of dialogue and rapprochement between the faiths practiced in Nice, in the metropolis, and in the department. Yes, of course, I am happy that the signing of this pact brings us together today. Yes, of course, I am pleased that the major religions unite to deliver a single message, one of the demand for peace, love, and shared citizenship.”
The “Fraternity Pact” is part of the continuity of various actions carried out since 2007 by Alpes-Maritimes Fraternity, a dialogue body that brings together all the representatives of the faiths in the Department and works for peace, freedom, and respect among human beings, regardless of their confession.
In a particularly tense context, following the recent events that have affected France, this text is a real commitment. It encourages all believers to respect one another, based on a better mutual understanding.
Such understanding must be taught very early on. “Instill love in your baby’s heart from the womb,” implores Michel Serfaty, president of the Jewish-Muslim Friendship Association of France* and the originator of this initiative at the national level, “An innocent message that every mother, as a transmission vector, should inculcate in her child.”
For the president of Jewish-Muslim Friendship, combating prejudice requires education and dialogue. “Anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, and anti-Christian acts are discriminatory and must be fought,” he condemns.
“Freedom and respect for human beings must be guaranteed, regardless of their religion,” declared Mohamed Fernane, president of the Jewish-Muslim Friendship Association of Alpes-Maritimes. “Education and the transmission of historical and cultural knowledge are fundamental to combat clichés,” insists Mr. Fernane.
“This pact is a link between religions and a bridge towards religions,” he adds. Michel Serfaty aligns with Mr. Fernane’s idea. For him, “this pact is the modest sentiment of an immense fraternity between priests, bishops, pastors, reverends, imams, and brothers and sisters of all denominations. It’s by fighting ignorance of religions that prejudices will be erased.”
Above all, this pact is a symbol. Mr. Fernane explains: “It is a very strong symbol. If words fade away, this paper will remain as a reminder. The content of this pact carries all human values. It marks the coexistence between Christians, Jews, and Muslims but also atheists. It concerns all human beings and urges them to fight against segregation by protecting others.”
It does not stop there; for him, this struggle goes hand in hand with education. “The use of terms like secularism or ostentatious is accompanied by confusion,” he laments.
The long skirt of the young schoolgirl, which is causing controversy, is in no way an ostentatious sign. Only the scarf, the kippa, or religious signs are. No one should be given the means to judge arbitrarily. It’s important to understand what is being said and, especially, to use the correct terms,” he concludes.
Imane Hyjazi
