ROTTERDAM EMPLOYS TARIQ RAMADAN TO BRDIGE THE GAP

To bridge the gap with the Islam community the Rotterdam municipality asked the Islam Egyptian-Swiss philosopher Tariq Ramadan for help. The 43 year old scientist will be ‘guest’- professor at the Erasmus University. The city of Rotterdam yearly donates 200 thousand euros to finance the special chair. According to a Dutch newspaper, Ramadan is controversial. In France he is seen as someone who appears as been very liberal, but in fact supports fundamentalist idea’s.

According to the Rotterdam alderman of Culture and integration Ramadan can crank up debate, for example about the way in which Muslims can execute their civil citizenship while maintaining their identity. According to a Dutch newspaper, Ramadan is controversial. In France he is seen as someone who appears as been very liberal, but in fact supports fundamentalist idea’s.

Colleague scientists feel uncomfortable with the different roles of Ramadan. Besides being a scientist, he also preached to the rebellious youngsters during the riots in the suburbs of Paris. Critics say that he has too much sympathy for the radical and old fashioned Islamic idea’s. Earlier this year the US refused Ramadan a visa, because he suspected of  collecting funds for the Palestinian movement Hamas. Also in France Tariq Ramadan seems to be out of favour. 

In 2005 Ramadan made a very good impression during the series of public debates on Islam. He stated that the Rotterdam debates were a relief and a step forward in the process towards a more open and honest dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims. He summoned the Muslims to get out of their victim role and take on a more active role in society.

The Rotterdam municipality was very charmed by Ramadan’s idea’s about a Euro Islam, wherein Muslims can be loyal to their new motherland while maintaining their identity. Also the hundreds of Muslims present at the final debate in 2005, reacted enthusiastically to Ramadan’s speech. Because of the great authority Ramadan had on the youngsters, the idea was born to ask Ramadan to play a role in the future Rotterdam integration debate. more features

January 15, 2006