Black and Jewish America
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From Pharaoh to Persia, Nazis to modern warfare — they endured. One Imam calls it what it is: a miracle.
Hassen Chalghoumi is the imam of the municipal Drancy mosque in Seine-Saint-Denis, near Paris. He is a moderate who is an outspoken friend of the Jewish people. He wrote the following:
I, the son of Ishmael, an Imam, a Muslim, a man of peace, hereby offer my sincere testimony about this extraordinary people:
I must admit, I believe in religions and in miracles. But there is something about this people — the people of Israel — that truly feels like a living miracle.
A people whom the Pharaohs tried to erase 3,000 years ago… and failed.
A people whom the Babylonians tried to destroy 2,500 years ago… and failed.
A people whom the Romans wanted to annihilate 2,000 years ago… and failed.
A people the Nazis tried to exterminate 80 years ago… and could not wipe out.
A people whom the Arabs fought in five wars to erase from the map… and failed.
This is a small people in number, but possessing a unique strength — a divine blessing. Wherever they place their hand, they succeed: in finance, commerce, science, philosophy, literature… A desert land they turned into a paradise, without oil or gas, but with freedom, democracy, intelligence, and willpower.
This is a people who gave the world Einstein, Newton, Kafka, Karl Marx, Nietzsche, Spinoza, Freud… and many others who left a mark on humanity.
There are realities that neither reason nor logic can explain.
There is only one word for it: Miracle.
For two and a half years, this people has been fighting on five fronts.
They said Israel would tire, that it was on the verge of collapse… yet once again, it surprises the world by opening a new front against an Iranian enemy feared by many, even among Arab regimes.
This people, though small in number, possesses the courage of nobles, the wisdom of prophets, the patience of righteous men, and the determination of survivors.
How could it be otherwise, when they are the descendants of Abraham, Solomon, David, Moses, Jacob, Joseph… and 1,523 prophets and emissaries from among their offspring?
This is the people who brought monotheism and faith in one God to the world.
A people driven by a thirst for life, work, innovation, and continuity — for over 4,000 years.
Truly, I can find no other word to describe them than: The Miracle People.
If the Arabs had clear vision, they would choose to align with this people, learn from them, collaborate with them… perhaps they would absorb their knowledge, wisdom, and dignity.
Hassan Chalghoumi
Imam
A Correction
Readers in France have brough to our attention that although Imam H. Chalgoumi is indeed a defender of the Jewish people who has courageously supported Israel and the Jews, he did not, in fact, write this article.
On June 13, the Imam expressed his support for Israel against Iran: "The Israeli people are waging this fight in the name of all free peoples."
On June 15, these comments were posted on Facebook and Twitter, and subsequently translated into English where they were widely shared. We apologize for the error.
If Hassen Chalghoumi did not write this, who did?
I came here to as the same question. Have you found anything yet?
I choose not to quibble about who was or wasn’t a Jew, or who converted under pressure or became a socialist or whatever.
The point being: “I will bless those who bless thee, and I will curse those who curse thee.”
Whom the “Great I am” chooses is not up to you or to me.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Nietzsche was not a Jew
And Karl Marx's family converted to Christianity and he was an antisemite.
This write up is nothing but the real truth about the people of Israel. They are indeed a ‘Miracle People’ of God
Amazing truth and trust! G-d bless the Imam
As honorable an essay about the Hebrews that has ever been published.
Yasher Koach to the Imam!
I have seen this statement from him on various social media channels but have yet to find any proof of its authenticity. Is there any proof that this is really from Mr. Chalghoumi?
Does it matter? As is common with most Muslim rhetoric, the article misses one critical ingredient: recognition of the State of Israel. Instead, he says: "align with this people ..."
"A people whom the Arabs fought in five wars to erase from the map". He doesn't say "a nation".
"They said Israel would tire..." He uses "Israel" as the name of a people, not a nation.
The Arab fight is over Jewish nationhood; does he admit this? Is this the gap that he wishes to see closed?
Since when does authenticity no longer play a role?
Authenticity only matters when someone who is influential says something that is significant.
At face value, all we would have here is another Muslim, an Imam no less, who is unable to admit what the Qur'an says about the Jews. Until we see Muslims confronting the fundamental antisemitism of their religion, nothing they say on this subject matters.
Why should Jews get excited when a Muslim who views Judaism as a corrupted religion expresses awe that Judaism has managed to survive in the face of his "true" religion?
We're indeed living evolutionary times. The Jews,through Abraham's dream and understandings,have given humanity an opportunity to hold on to the most revolutionary achievements homo sapiens sapiens has ever experienced. Tribal Islamic opposition to the evolutionary changes should be expected,since enviromental harshness didn't allow new concepts to penetrate the barriers raised by survival instincts.
Islamic world will change or die,because the evolution train isn't going to wait nor waste time with those opposing it.
This clearly shows we have plentous amount of politicians who have very low intellectual capacity to think outside their boxes. As childish young brats all they know is fighting. We ought to try the other half of humanity. Women should be given the mantle of leadership.. .. no mum would send their sons to be killed. Humanity still has a long way to go.
You can never get to the bottom of an issue unless you ask "why?"
"If the Arabs had clear vision ..." Why is it that Arabs do not have this "clear vision"? If you cannot explain this, then you are nowhere.
I am so very grateful and glad to know that this man exists in this world today.
It restores my faith and belief that there is no one group, religious, national, cult or other That is 100% bad or calling for the annihilation of another because they are not the same as that one .
If only live and let live was the universal theory and goal of the world.. we surely could have peace.
Thank you, Imam, for your beautiful words. It has been so rare these past 20 months to hear words of support from important people in the Muslim community. May we all stand together one day and live peacefully side by side.
Thank you for your honest article may you be blessed
Amen! Gd bless the children of Israel.
thank you for your insight.
Beautiful!! I wish the world saw Israel and its people the way you do!! I wish they understood and appreciated them the way you do!!
Thank you. Your words bring hope and light in the darkness.
You wrote … “This is a people who gave the world Einstein, Newton, Kafka, Karl Marx, Nietzsche, Spinoza, No Freud … “
Yes, Einstein was an all time intellectual great and a Jew.
Yes, Newton, assuming you mean Sir Isaac Newton, was also an all time intellectual great, BUT a Christian of the Anglican faith, though likely non-standard with respect to the Trinity.
Karl Marx? If I was Jewish, I’d be pretending Marx wasn’t.
Nietzsche? I don’t think he was Jewish either.
Freud? Are you trying to blame Jews unfairly for his “contribution” to society?
Thank you for this reply. This whole set of statements would be best deleted from the artcle altogether..
You should know that many Christians were covertly Jews that had no way to survive but accept Christianity or die.
Isaac Newton was most likely one of those,infact after his death,a clergyman read his many writings,and suddenly shut everything with utterly disgust,reading something that may have given a bad name to Christianity,for forcing the chosen people to convert or die.
By the way,he didn't mention Jesus being a jew,and you didn't care to remind us.Good luck with your failing vision.
Unbelievable! A Muslim who can see the plain truth! You need to preach this to your Muslim brothers. We,the Jews, already are living this truth!
TY for your clarity and honesty.
Your words stretch across the great divide and offers hope for our two peoples. Thank you. May G-d bless you and the good people you lead.
I wish this enlightened Imam could spread his message to all Muslims. Why can’t we all get along regardless of your religion.
Thank you for your beautiful words. As a graduate student in the field of law, I rented a house, keeping a kosher kitchen. My partners, pharmaceutical students, were respectively Iranian and Iraqi, who I came to know well and respect. I was already disposed to be respectful towards Muslims because of my undergraduate studies in the field of history. My opinion is that there would be peace or the makings of such if Muslims had more pride and truly devoted themselves to promoting the interests and wellbeing of their states and respective citizens. The need to prove themselves against Israel, the USA and the West has gained the Muslim little or nothing.
We have always to write:REMEMBER ALL SECURITY CHECKS ARE DUE to the MUSLIMS attack IN USA at 911.Shoes off,emply pockeets,no liquids,etc.
Thank you for your recognition and beautiful words.
Is there going to be an English edition for Hassan Chalghoumi's new book? We need to rally around voices like this and lift them up
Bless him I wish there were more Muslims like him so we could gain peace.
Beautiful words. We need more rational moral voices in this world. G-d bless him, and may his words be prophetic. Why does the media not report this? Show his words to the world? For example, Al Jazeera but their immorality knows no bounds. If they showed and wrote about this to the millions of Muslims around the world rather than their biased slop and lies, it would be the first moral thing they did.
What a beautiful message to receive during these dark, seemingly friendless times. We appreciate you. May Hashem bless you.
Neither Newton nor Nietzsche were Jewish, but to paraphrase Meatloaf, 5 outa 7 ain't bad. Also, good thing he specified Karl Marx cause my first instinct would have been Groucho (who would have been a better choice by the way). Kidding aside the Imam's sentiments are obviously appreciated.
Wish there were more people like this Imam
G-D bless him
beautiful. where was this tribute printed... and how does he survive the anti-semitism among his fellow moslems?
As a Christian I totally agree with the Imam.
The Jewish people have introduced us all
To the One true God. Like Gideon they may be small but very powerful.
The name ISRAEL signifies VICTORY, after Jacob wrestled with a divine being in Genesis 32:28. The name "Israel" is understood to mean "God fights" or "one who prevails with God". The name identity a covenant relationship with God. If God is for
Isreal, who can be against them.
Bravo to U Mr.Iman!I really respect U &applaud U for your honesty & knowledge.Unfortunately, the majority of Muslims worldwide &any other non-Muslim ones as well, do NOT agree with your views of Jews&Israel…..Wish they can go ahead &learn more about our beautiful people, The Bible/TheTora&plenty MORE…..then….NO doubt they’ll all sing a different tune.As a Morroccan Jewish woman myself, living in The United States for the past 48 years now, I can certainly attest to my beautiful,uneventful upbringing& I AM SO PROUD OF IT!!! May G….D bless U&bestow upon U all the blessings!!!
Shalom, this Imam, is a man with wisdom from HaShem Himself. Thank you sir for revealing the truth about Israel, G-d’s Inheritance.
Beautiful, thank you.
As a Jewish woman who discovered her roots as an adult, I can only say, Hashem was and is a G-d of miracles. I can testify to that. May G-d bless you!
Thank you for your honesty and commitment to peace. May G-d of bless you and your family with health prosperity and success in your mission to spread truth respect and peace.
As a Jew I wish the entire world would feel and think the way you do. Thank you for this wonderful essay!!!!!!!!!!
Other than their proscribed ideology.....kill any and all non believers......I wonder why so many "followers" haven't been able to detach from teachings that no longer jive with -21st c- thinking------like - -don't murder. And to those who don't live in Arab countries....human rights, equality, free speech, ------ have not yet "sunk in""???
Why would they leave the country they love.... and policies they agree with.....to live in countries that don't follow those beliefs? HHHm, to slowly change OUR ways....like in some cuntries and US states that now have communities run buy Islamic rules....................slow invasion with ulterior motive???
Boy, his list of Jews is really fermisht.
How rare & special to hear a voice that risks its speaker!!! Regarding comments below, for us to be a Light unto the Nations, we must have that potential. When we are crushed, we rise to the occasion like olive oil to shine, like a LIONESS! Yes, Karl Marx was a self-hating Jew, but imagine if his talents had been directed towards good! Newton, though not Jewish, was DEEPLY involved in Judaism!!! Kafka was a Jewish victim of an Enlightenment that ultimately turned against him. Nietzsche was sympathetic to Jews, but Nazis twisted his ideas on human weakness to destroy the weak & protectors of the weak, especially the Jews. To potential of IDEAS is GREAT IF we direct them towards good!
God bless this Imam, with great health, fortune, love, and miracles.
Karl Marx was a self-hating Jew,
Dear Imam,
What you wrote is deeply moving, something so many overlook and forget, and it is beautiful to read this and to know that it is coming from a dedicated Muslim, an Imam. I hope you can transform the perceptions of so many on this planet who are blinded by falsities, racism, bias, and prejudice. Yes, blessings upon you, Imam, and may your words go far and your heart many others.
I believe the point was that all of these Jews (good or bad) had tremendous influence. We must recognise our potential as Jews. H’ helps us pursue our endeavours. It is up to us to choose to ensure our endevours are morally guided by Torah values.
Sorry this was meant as a reply to another comment. The thread got mixed up.
May God bless you Immam Hassan and peace be upon you.
Interesting sermon, but there are some rather glaring errors -- neither Nietsche (athiest) nor Newton (Christian) was actually Jewish. Additionally, all of the examples of Jewish contributors to the world are people who, by and large, denied their Jewishness, and most certainly Judaism itself. With all the great Jewish luminaries of modern history he could have referenced, it's a pretty flawed list to use in a sermon intended to praise the Jewish people. So flawed, in fact, that it makes me question the author's sincerity or commitment to these views. Perhaps he wrote the words impulsively, or in a moment of emotional inspiration. On the surface, it's nice to have friends in Non-Jews, but sometimes their direct compliments can read as indirect insults.
Orrrr, he just chose some famous historical names that were familiar to him and probably is not familiar with the people you are referring to, which we don't know who that is since you don't name them either. Try giving him the benefit of the doubt and look at the whole message. Don't you understand that he is taking a rather large risk and risking his life for saying such things?
Jews by blood and lineage are blessed. Whether they abide by the faith or not. For their generation, they will blessed. However, if they do not abide by the commandments; they won’t be blessed with lineage “continuity” and be wiped. God is explicit - His people are blessed in many areas of life and only those that abide to His commandments will continue having the blessing of Life. Therefore, do not discredit these Jews that although were not faithful to the faith, they were still blessed to add value to humanity in some shape way or form despite their religious beliefs.
All nations, whether for or against Israel take note Real education reforms the mind and makes the wise to reason better, think faster and accept the truth. That's Chalghoumi for you.
Thank you, Imman Hassan
L'ami des juifs! "Blessed be those who bless you."
Incredible!
The name ISRAEL signifies VICTORY, after Jacob wrestled with a divine being in Genesis 32:28. The name "Israel" is understood to mean "God fights" or "one who prevails with God". The name identity a covenant relationship with God. If God is for Isreal, who can be against them.