The Muslim Council of Elders has hosted a seminar at its stand in the Frankfurt Book Fair 2022. Titled ‘Countering Racism - A Deeper Look’, the seminar was conducted by the Secretary-General of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, Abdul Samad Al Yazidi and Dr. Jürgen Miksch, Director of the Abrahamic Forum in Germany.

The seminar explored the role of various German institutions in countering hate-speech, racism and xenophobia, particularly against Muslims. It also reviewed statistics from a number of Germany cities which saw acts of racism take place, with results being largely mixed and different between cities.

Dr. Jürgen Miksch remarked that racist practices have increased over the last ten years with the increase in racist viewpoints and ideologies, largely attributed to the far-right. This, he points out, has increased attacks against Muslims in particular which has in turn forced Islamic and civil organizations to increase support to victims of such attacks as well as raising awareness against extremist ideologies and their negative impact on society. This has largely been achieved through continuous workshops and seminars and by encouraging media groups to adopt a positive approach against racism.

For his part, Abdul Samad Al Yazidi referenced the positive impact of some Islamic organizations in Germany in supporting victims of racist attacks. Likewise, he along with Miksch, pointed to initiatives such as ‘The Open Mosque’ which began by the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, and encourages mosques to open their doors to the general public on the 3rd of October of each year as a celebration of German unity. 

This is set to be the Council’s fourth participation at the Frankfurt Book Fair which run from 19 to 23 October 2022. The participation comes as part of His Eminence the Gran Imam’s vision of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally.  

The Council’s stand at the Frankfurt Book Fair can be found in Hall 4.0, stand J22 at the Frankfurt Exhibition Grounds.