In certain cases and circumstances, words carry their full meaning, beyond semantics: Appeasement and unity. And one must honor the person who uttered them, demonstrating a wide-angle vision of the facts.
During a press conference on the state of Muslim worship and proposals for establishing a balanced situation in response to the demands of citizens practicing the Muslim faith, Christian Estrosi, supported by the municipal hierarchy (elected officials and collaborators), provided a necessary clarification awaited for some time by those advocating a universalist approach to fighting racism in all its forms.
A specifically anti-Muslim racism, unfortunately too often overlooked, even though it represents a sad reality that extends and induces anti-Arab and anti-immigrant racism, sometimes exacerbated by the instrumentalization in political debates over recent years.
And coming from a former minister of a government that took pride in a Ministry of National Identity, makes it all the more commendable. Indeed, Juvenal’s expression “indignation creates verse” remains very relevant!
Hearing the statement that “Nice must be recognized as a city respectful of everyone’s beliefs, a city of dialogue and mutual respect” from the “first citizen” can only warm the heart in these difficult times nationally and internationally, due to tensions provoked by caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad and the anti-Islam film. Not to mention the geopolitical context and various war and violence hotspots.
However, recognizing each person’s right to practice their religion with dignity also means creating the necessary conditions for this. In this case, the Mayor of Nice was clear and reassuring: “Basement Islam is over in Nice,” he said forcefully. “And street prayers… also!”
Some proposals have been made after consultation with Mr. Boubeker Bekri, Vice-President of the Regional Council of Muslim Worship, and Mr. Otmane Aissaoui, President of the Union of Muslims of the Alpes-Maritimes, who have deemed the current situation “satisfactory and balanced in its future perspective.”
To the 17 places of worship available for practicing faithful (estimated at 2,500 people), a new 500-square-meter location situated in the Roquebillière district, the expansion of the site in Ariane, and the prayer room in Moulins have been agreed upon, with their realization planned for the coming months.
Similarly, certain premises, namely the “publicized” one on rue de Suisse and another located in Nice-village (to the west), will be regularized. The Muslim section in the eastern cemetery will also receive additional plots.
Finally, a monitoring committee under the authority of Auguste Verola, deputy for religious affairs, will oversee relations between the different representatives of the Muslim faith and the municipality, examining all requests and proposing concrete and feasible solutions.
The ultimate goal: To advance the practice of the Muslim faith within the framework of the principle of laïcité, respect for regulations, and freedom of faith.
There is no doubt that although the journey ahead is still long, the path seems right. And one must continually move forward despite difficulties and opposition.
