Islam in Switzerland: time for debate?

A look at the news - Nicolas Jutzet

L’interview given by Saïda Keller-Messahli in Le Temps of September 2 is having an effect on readers. As part of the launch of his new book Islamistische Drehscheibe Schweiz: Ein Blick hinter die Kulissen der Moscheen, The President and Director of the Forum pour un islam progressiste (Forum for a Progressive Islam), she wants to warn us about the problem posed by Islam in our country today. The president and director of the Forum pour un islam progressiste makes an alarming observation.

To say the least. According to her, there is «a global strategy aimed at implanting a conservative, retrograde, discriminatory and sometimes violent Islam» and «radical Islam has invited itself into Swiss mosques». She also points out that «almost every mosque has its kindergarten or youth group. It turns out that these are places of religious indoctrination».

The fact that the propaganda denounced by the author is aimed at adults is worrying in itself, but as long as it respects the rest of the law, it is a matter of their religious freedom. But when faced with the indoctrination of the young, who can be influenced and turned into a veritable «time bomb», it's hard for anyone to remain stoic.

Once the situation has been assessed, she criticizes the authorities for their naiveté. A taboo prevents debate. For fear of adding fuel to the fire of some on the right, «the left is angelic in its concern to protect minorities and multiculturalism». More generally, she regrets that «politicians prefer to stay in their comfort zone and turn a blind eye to issues that expose them». She calls for stricter supervision.

Reading this hard-hitting interview is perplexing. The situation described in the interview is totally at odds with the image of a peaceful, inclusive Switzerland that we undoubtedly idealize. Saïda Keller-Messahli's work should now provide an opportunity for awareness-raising and in-depth analysis of the problem. First and foremost among Muslims.

In the end, it is they who are the target of widespread suspicion, which must be unbearable for anyone wishing to live their faith in respect of the values of their host country. Saïda Keller-Messahli is your messenger: follow in her footsteps! It would be all too easy to turn to the state as a victim and avoid self-criticism. We all have to do our bit if we are to stem this worrying tide.

Basically, we could find ways to explain the relative lack of interest in this topic by Switzerland's great capacity for integration and its lower unemployment rate among young people in international comparison. As France knows, the best way to combat radicalization is to give young people prospects.

The fact that «Switzerland» does not exist as such, but in its diversity, with a foundation of shared values, but with its strong regional differences, makes it easier to integrate newcomers than in France. In a flexible way. Storing and identifying with a federal system seems easier than having to embrace the Republic. But for how long?

Write to the author: nicolas.jutzet@lereregardlibre.com