On February 20, 2018, the Brussels International Center for Research and Human Rights participated in a political dialogue entitled "Popular Participation in Fighting Jihadist Extremism". The event was held under the supervision of Mrs. Amanda Paul, senior political analyst at the European Political Center in Brussels, as well as prominent diplomatic figures and experts from large local and European research centers.
Mrs. Paul initiated the dialogue by providing a brief overview of the keynote speakers and presented their professional background in dealing with jihadist extremism and the great role they played in curbing this phenomenon, whether in Belgium or Europe. The participants presented some means that may help in detecting the signs of this negative phenomenon in people by conducting a general analysis of the behavior and way of thinking in the individual.
Mr. Cherif Elferri, Executive Director of the Center for Expertise and Advocacy to limit Extremism in Belgium, was the first official speaker. He explained in his speech the appropriate age to deal with young people and what activities should be applied to activate positive ideas in the individual. Al-Ferri also explained how to communicate with people accused of extremism, by cultivating mutual trust with them and highlighting the negative consequences that may affect their families and society. He finally concluded his speech with a presentation of the method he used to research various factions, Islamic movements and extremist groups in order to develop his ideas and convey them to the next generation to further strengthen the Islamic intellectual personality and fortify steadfastness against these extremist groups.
Ms. Vina Ten berg, Director of the Muslim Center for Progressive Values in the Netherlands, spoke about ways to reverse the image of Islam and how to combat misconceptions. She explained that her position contributes to reducing the phenomenon of extremism under the name of jihad by training the imams in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights. Vina Ten berg condemned the institutions and companies that seek discrimination and marginalization against Muslims and pointed to the importance of dealing firmly with these groups by European governments and politicians. At the end of her speech, Ms. Ten Berg explained that reforms cannot be applied to Islam itself, but must be exercised by individuals who contribute to a negative image of Islam.
The aim of this dialogue is to find the best way to deal with individuals, especially young people, who have extremist tendencies and wrong definitions of jihad, and also to motivate participants to differentiate between the true definition of Islam and the bad image of extremism that does not reflect the principles of religion