"The problem is not Islam but the way some see and treat Muslims," Boumediene said

By Hadi Yahmid, IOL Correspondent

PARIS, October 6 (IslamOnline.net) – Misconceptions about Muslims and not the  Islamic culture are hampering the integration of the sizable community into the French society, a French Muslim lawmaker told IslamOnline.net.

"The problem is not Islam but rather the way some people see Muslims and their right to practice their religious rituals," Senator Alima Boumediene Thiery said.

Boumediene, one of two French Muslim women of Arab descent to even win a seat in the Senate (the upper house French parliament), said Islam enriches the French society with its genuine culture.

She refuted allegations propagated by some that French Muslims are unable to integrate into the society.

"This is absolutely untrue, on the contrary, Muslims’ integration efforts are proceeding in the right path."

Boumediene cited her election to the French senate and before to the European Parliament as a case in point.

"I also have several (Muslim) friends who have been elected to municipalities," added 47-year-old Boumediene, who hails from Arab descent.

She also highlighted the increasing engagement of young French Muslims in the political life with the intention of having their voice heard.

Problems

Boumediene played down arguments that Muslims’ integration efforts gained momentum through their association with leftist parties.

"We have not integrated just because we joined leftist or rightist parties. We have not even practiced politics merely to integrate."

She, however, admitted that those who immigrate to France looking for jobs are more likely to find it hard to integrate because of the new lifestyle.

"But those who were born in France basically face racial problems related to their names, color and religious intolerance."

A former member of the European Parliament, Boumediene regretted accusations leveled from time to time against Arabs and Muslims in France .

"Unfortunately, young French of Arab and Muslim decedent are always labeled anti-Semitic," she said, cautioning against such generalization.

"This is not only a threat to us but also to France and to democracy."

Universal Values

Lawmaker Boumediene is known for her staunch support for the Palestinian cause.

"I defend the Palestinian cause and Palestinian rights not because I’m a Muslim Arab but because I respect international legitimacy.

"I always opposed the apartheid regime in South Africa and that’s why today I’m campaigning for Palestine ."

She asserted that this support for Palestine is an element of strength and by no means overshadow her political future.

Boumediene has also been playing a leading role in defending the rights of the Arab and Muslim communities in France as she strongly opposed the enactment of a law banning hijab and religious symbols in state schools.

She also joined many committees established for combating Islamophobia in France and defending the rights of immigrants in the country.

France is home to around six million Muslims, half of them are of Arab origin.