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Click on a peacemaker on the right to read about how they are making a difference. Photos & text: Margrit Coppé
“I have a computer science degree, but I don’t like computers. Now I am working with refugees at Catholic Relief Services. There are three things of major importance in my life: my studies of Islamic law and philosophy, serving the poor through the work I do, and being active in interfaith dialogue. Some people fear the other; some are more open-minded about the other. I have travelled a lot: to Germany, to Yemen, to Belgium. The older generation is the problem, people like my mother. When I first told her that I was going to see Yannick, she asked - because of her name - if she was a Christian. Then she said that I had to be careful. I have many Christian friends; they sometimes
come and break the fast with me at my home. Since I brought them home my mother no longer fears them, she can see that they are nice people. I had a Muslim friend who was in love with a Christian. They split up; I would do the same because it would cause too many problems later on. I can talk and be friends with an atheist who has ethics.
My best friend, my soul mate, does not wear a headscarf but I trust her values. I don’t want people in the West to call me names, not Sunni, not liberal, not fundamentalist, just Muslim. I don’t want them to judge people. In relation to what happened in London you should see that individuals did this, not Islam, that there are no countries behind it.”