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Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism Rises in EU Amid Israel-Hamas War: Official
A young woman wearing an abaya (centre) speaks with others on a street in Nantes, western France
An EU official tasked with combating Islamophobia says Muslims are often wrongly perceived as being involved in violence, as she defends France’s abaya ban.
Brussels, Belgium – Hate speech targeting Muslims and Jews in Europe is rising as the conflict between Israel and Hamas rages, a European Union official tasked with combating Islamophobia has warned.
“We’ve seen a very clear rising trend of anti-Muslim hatred and anti-Semitic narratives. This hate speech ranges from microaggressions to clear threats and we’ve observed most of it happening on social media platforms,” Marion Lalisse told Al Jazeera.
“The hatred towards Muslims in particular, has to do with negative stereotypes considering Muslims as a monolithic group involved in violence. Such biases are spread across EU nations.”
Lalisse said research is needed on how Europeans are being educated on Muslims and Islam.
“I grew up in rural France which was very diverse and I was taught about the Muslim religion and culture of the people who follow this faith, in a manner which didn’t portray them as threats,” she told Al Jazeera.
“So in my role of combating anti-Muslim hatred, we are funding projects related to the remembrance of the past and analysing how history books in schools and universities in Europe portray Muslims.”
Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel one month ago; the current Israeli death toll exceeds 1,400.
After October 7, Israel in retaliation launched a massive bombing campaign of Gaza, in what it says is an effort to crush the Palestinian group that rules the strip.
Gaza is one of the world’s most densely populated areas. To date, more than 10,000 Palestinians have been killed, many women and children among them.
Anti-Semitic crimes are being recorded in several European countries.
But besides the UK, other European countries have not published statistics on reported Islamophobic incidents, which have also been increasing since October 7, according to Human Rights Watch.
“This suggests they do not record hate crimes against people perceived to be Muslim. Lack of data impedes effective policy responses to such hate crimes,” the rights group said in a statement.
The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has a database documenting anti-Muslim hatred between 2010 and 2020 in the bloc, which according to Lalisse will be updated in the coming weeks.
“We are all in this together,” Lalisse said.
“We need to make sure that there is a balanced narrative on what’s happening in Europe so that people can live freely, regardless of their religious belief or absence of religious belief.”
Asked whether she considers French bans on garments worn by some Muslims discriminatory, Lalisse said: “We’ve noted how a Muslim woman wearing a hijab in France is likely to face more discrimination than the country’s overall Muslim population.”
She further defended the French measures, adding: “The ban of the abaya or other religious symbols at school or in some other circumstances is related to the willingness to show neutrality and spread equality. These are France’s secular values which are often misunderstood.”
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA
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Fitness meets cultural expression as GOOD SWEAT prepares to bring its CULTURE RUN experience to Lagos on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Designed around the connection between physical wellness and cultural identity, CULTURE RUN offers participants an opportunity to embrace an active lifestyle while celebrating the richness of African culture. The event brings together fitness enthusiasts, culture lovers, and individuals looking for a refreshing way to connect through movement and shared experiences.
The run is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM, setting the stage for an evening that extends beyond fitness. At 6:00 PM, participants can look forward to the CULTURE PARTY, the event’s post-run celebration.
Adding to the experience is a distinctive dress code that encourages attendees to wear their regular running kits with a touch of cultural wear. This creative blend of athletic apparel and traditional-inspired fashion gives participants an opportunity to express their individuality while celebrating their cultural roots.
The event will take place at Bistrot Samantha’s, located at 7/12 Rumen’s Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
With its combination of fitness, fashion, culture, and social interaction, CULTURE RUN aims to create an experience that extends beyond the running track, bringing people together through a shared appreciation for wellness and cultural expression.
As Lagos continues to embrace lifestyle experiences that combine fitness with social engagement, CULTURE RUN offers an opportunity for participants to stay active, celebrate their heritage, and connect with like-minded individuals in a vibrant setting.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: CULTURE RUN
Presented by: GOOD SWEAT
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Run Time: 4:30 PM
Post-Run Party: 6:00 PM
Dress Code: Running kit with a touch of cultural wear
Venue: Bistrot Samantha’s
Address: 7/12 Rumen’s Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
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