Over 400 guests, including political and religious leaders, gathered in Paris for the annual “Iftar de la Paix,” a Ramadan meal initiated by Imam Hassen Chalghoumi.
Held at the Hôtel Collectionneur, the event brought together representatives from various faiths and cultures in a symbolic gesture for peace and unity.
Among those in attendance were prominent figures such as the Chief Rabbi of France, Haïm Korsia, Yonathan Arfi, President of CRIF, and representatives from the Christian and Orthodox communities, alongside political figures like Elisabeth Borne, French Minister of National Education, and the Israeli Ambassador to France. A delegation from the United Arab Emirates, as well as the writer Marek Halter and families of French-Israeli hostages held by Hamas, were also present.
In his speech, Imam Chalghoumi emphasised the importance of unity and dialogue across religions. He highlighted the need for collective commitment to peace, combating extremism, and promoting tolerance. His message resonated with the gathering: “Peace is a daily struggle, not just the absence of war. We must work together for a world where understanding triumphs over hate.”
Chalghoumi also addressed key global issues, including the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, the freedom of Algerian author Boualem Sansal, and the end of the war in Ukraine. He invoked the Islamic proverb, “If he is not your brother in faith, he is your brother in humanity,” reinforcing the evening’s theme of shared humanity.
The evening concluded with a hopeful message from Haïm Korsia, who quoted poet Guillaume Apollinaire: “The twilights will never overcome the dawns,” symbolising the ongoing fight for peace and light in a world threatened by darkness.
