Latest news with #MuslimClerics
Al Arabiya
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Israel president hosts European Muslim clerics in Jerusalem
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he met with a delegation of European Muslim clerics in Jerusalem on Monday to discuss reconciliation and religious co-existence, as war rages in Gaza. 'This morning at the President's Residence, I hosted important Muslim leaders from across Europe', Herzog said in a post on X. Herzog praised the delegation led by French Imam Hassen Chalghoumi for choosing a path of 'bridge-building, dialogue and belief' at a time of 'tension between Jews and Muslims.' Clerics from France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain and Italy took part in the visit, according to Israeli media. Chalghoumi, imam for the Paris suburb of Drancy, took part in several protests denouncing Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. He also participated in rallies against antisemitism. Monday's visit was organized by the European Leadership Network (ELNET), a group that defines itself as 'dedicated to strengthening relations between Europe and Israel.' ELNET organized a rally in Paris in March 'against Islamism,' drawing a crowd of 2,000 people including right-wing and far-right public figures.
The Independent
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The fitness classes in Indian schools that have religious leaders outraged
Kerala schools introduced Zumba classes as part of a government initiative to improve physical fitness and combat drug use among students. The program, which also includes yoga and mindfulness, has faced strong opposition from both Muslim clerics and Hindu nationalist figures. Opponents claim the classes promote "immorality," are "un-Islamic," and represent a "cultural invasion" undermining traditional Indian practices. Kerala's education minister, V Sivankutty, defended the initiative, stating it is a short physical fitness program, mandatory under the Right to Education Act, and aims to create a healthy school environment. Despite the backlash and protests, the Kerala government has indicated it will not withdraw the program, with Zumba training already underway in many schools.
