2023-10-24 20:20:22
“We are in a cosmopolitan city where all communities are affected by what is happening in the Middle East. We want to send a strong signal of peace which serves as an example throughout France. And so that there are no repercussions for what is happening far from home, we want to show that the Jewish and Muslim communities are important in our city. » Leader of the OM South Winners supporters club, Rachid Zeroual organized, this Tuesday afternoon, in the presence of an imam, a rabbi and a priest, a rally for peace at the foot of the basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde.
From a platform overlooking the city and wearing only the colors of Marseille, a blue cross on a white background, religious representatives multiplied calls for harmony and peace in front of around a hundred people. “OM is the gathering of everyone in the corners without distinction. This commitment of supporters to peace is a good thing, says Rabbi Haïm Bendao, who officiates in the northern districts of the city. The explosion of the conflict called all codes into question. I’m not worried, but as a religious person I need to make people understand that this is a political war. »
“A call for peace, for resilience, to sit around the table”
“A call like this is unique in France. The Pope had chosen to come to Marseille, not for nothing, but because the people of Marseille wear their hearts on their sleeves. There is no problem of identity between Marseillais. The proof: when they are at the stadium, they all shout long live Marseille, appreciates Hassan Rajii, imam and vice-president of the regional council of Muslim worship. It is necessary that all religions today speak the same language. It is a call for peace, for resilience, to sit around the table… Enough must be said. We need to live in peace here in France. »
Father Olivier Spinosa, rector of the basilica, agrees. “We have to say stop and now,” he summarizes. Marseille is more than a city, it’s a message! A message of peace and conviviality. Peace is possible, we must do everything to make it live. Marseille is a provocation for peace, it is more than a model, it is a spur. »
At the heart of numerous controversies after a stormy meeting between supporters and the management of the Marseille club on September 18, Rachid Zeroual adds. “It was important to bring everyone together behind this action to avoid excesses in our city, no community should feel uncomfortable.” The leader of the South Winners chose the basilica as a gathering place so as not to “politicize the Vélodrome stadium”. “Marseille is more than an example: our city knows how to unite whenever it is necessary to do so and we must continue,” he thunders. We are all from Marseille, even if we have different religions and it must remain like that. OM brings everyone together. »
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