Latest news with #Al-AzharObservatoryforCombatingExtremism
Egypt Today
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Executive Director of Al-Azhar Observatory says 'Listen and Talk' forum seeks to empower youth to confront intellectual challenges
CAIRO – 6 May 2025: Executive Director of Al-Azhar Observatory, Reham Salama, said that the 4th edition of the 'Listen and Talk' Forum, organized by Al-Azhar Observatory, seeks to empower youth with critical and practical tools to confront intellectual challenges. During her opening remarks at the forum, Salama explained that the forum's themes highlights pressing youth issues, especially amidst the current digitalized world, where opinions are increasingly polarized. She warned against the exploitation of terrorist organizations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda to re-recruit members, emphasizing the need for concerted global efforts to confront these online threats. The Executive Director of Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism also cited a 2023 UN report revealing that 40% of those who joined extremist groups in sub-Saharan Africa were primarily motivated by poverty, compared to only 17% for religious reasons. Al-Azhar Observatory launched, Tuesday, the 4th edition of the 'Listen and Talk' forum, attended by a number of ministers and officials. This year's edition focused on civil and volunteer work and its role in combating extremism, along with the youth's role in spreading awareness about the Palestinian cause in the age of digital media and combating the phenomenon of misinformation through enhancing community awareness. Director of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism, Reham Abdullah confirmed that the observatory was established in 2015 under the supervision of Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb, with the aim of protecting youth from extremism and terrorism.
Egypt Today
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Al Azahar warns against Israeli attempts to deviate youths away from supporting Palestinian cause, Jerusalem
Mohamed El-Duwaini, Undersecretary of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif participates in the fourth edition of the 'Listen and Talk' Forum on May 6, 2025- press photo CAIRO – 6 May 2025: Speaking at fourth edition of the 'Listen and Talk' Forum, organized by the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism (AOCE), Mohamed El-Duwaini, Undersecretary of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, addressed the role of youth in defending the Palestinian cause. He stressed that this cause must hold a central place in their hearts. He denounced Zionist propaganda as false and manipulative, asserting that the Zionist entity has no legitimate claim to Palestinian land. Duwaini warned against Israeli attempts to minimize the conflict by turning it into a dispute between the Palestinians and the Israeli gang, and distancing it from its Islamic framework so that the youth are far from supporting Palestine and Jerusalem. This all is pure illusion. So, he urged youth to see through these efforts and to understand the true nature of the Zionist project: racist, expansionist, and colonialist. He called on young people to counter these narratives through voluntary initiatives that expose Zionist atrocities and maintain the Palestinian cause as a top priority across the Arab and Islamic world. He praised the global popular solidarity with Palestine, expressed through peaceful demonstrations and public awareness campaigns in capitals worldwide. 'The persistent oppression, displacement, and land confiscation committed by the Zionist enemy,' he said, 'demand that young people take initiative and volunteer for Palestine.' He described this as a national, religious, historical, and humanitarian duty. He underscored the significance of the 'Listen and Talk' Forum, especially in a world plagued by ideological conflicts, deep polarization, and deliberate attempts to destabilize nations. These efforts, he warned, often target the youth—nations' most vital asset—in attempts to sever them from their faith, history, and identity. El-Duwaini emphasized that youth are the most valuable treasure any nation possesses—its pillar of strength, living wealth, and enduring hope. He stressed that a nation's progress and civilization are reflected in its investment in youth and its commitment to equipping them to shoulder the future. He cautioned against framing or limiting the outcomes of the forum, instead calling for reflection on its stated objectives—goals that should be deeply rooted in public consciousness, especially among young people. Dr. El-Duwaini conveyed several important messages to the youth, foremost among them being the value of voluntary initiatives. He explained that voluntary work goes beyond optional prayers or charitable donations; it encompasses all acts that benefit humanity. Volunteering, he said, is firmly rooted in both the Quran and Sunnah and should be understood as a noble religious act with immense spiritual and social rewards. He urged young people to discover the goodness within themselves, to act without waiting for crises, and to take initiative in doing good for others. Such efforts, he noted, foster stronger communities, build self-confidence, enhance communication, and develop virtues such as compassion, mercy, and empathy. Dr. El-Duwaini also reflected on Islam's enduring role as a guiding force in society. He described Islam as a pure faith that enlightens hearts, a dynamic legal system that uplifts humanity, and a moral framework that nurtures peaceful and compassionate societies. He affirmed that the Islamic nation has always remained steadfast—preserving its religion, protecting its sanctities, and taking pride in its values and heritage. Its scholars and thinkers, he noted, have consistently balanced authenticity with modernity, ensuring the faith remains relevant and rooted in truth. Concluding his speech, El-Duwaini emphasized the heavy responsibility borne by religious institutions and their scholars. He called on leaders to stay attuned to the realities and challenges facing people across all aspects of life—political, economic, social, and educational. He urged religious figures to offer a balanced and informed discourse to counter deviant ideologies, thereby preserving public faith, safeguarding societal cohesion, and ensuring peace and stability.
Egypt Today
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Al-Azhar Observatory's 4th edition of ‘Listen and Talk' Forum calls for integrating Palestinian cause into educational curricula
The fourth edition of the 'Listen and Speak' Forum, organized by Egypt's Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism (AOCE) kicked off on May 6, 2025- press photo CAIRO – 6 May 2025: Participants in the fourth edition of the 'Listen and Talk' Forum, organized by Egypt's Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism (AOCE), put forward a series of recommendations aimed at supporting the Palestinian cause. Key proposals included integrating the Palestinian issue systematically into educational curricula at all levels and launching a wide-reaching digital media campaign to expose the practices of the Zionist occupation. In its closing statement, the Forum emphasized the need to develop training programs for youth focused on community engagement, leadership, and initiative. It recommended supporting youth-led initiatives that address social and economic challenges within local communities, alongside providing financial and technical backing for civil society organizations that empower young people. Additionally, the statement called for greater collaboration between civil society organizations and governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Education, and Al-Azhar University, to ensure youth participation in initiatives and events at the local, regional, and international levels. The Forum further recommended enhancing cooperation between educational institutions and civil society to design interactive programs that cultivate critical thinking and promote active citizenship among young people. Such efforts, it stressed, would serve as a safeguard against extremist ideologies and foster constructive societal engagement. It also underscored the importance of verifying news and information through official sources, echoing the Quranic principle: "Then verify." On strengthening youth involvement in supporting the Palestinian cause, the Forum advocated for the integration of the issue into educational content with a focus on its historical, humanitarian, and legal dimensions. It highlighted the crucial role of the Egyptian state—particularly Al-Azhar Al-Sharif—in championing this cause, thereby raising awareness among young people and encouraging their active engagement, especially in digital spaces. The Forum proposed the establishment of a fund to support alternative youth-led media initiatives, recognizing media as a powerful tool for disseminating constructive content and responsibly addressing social and humanitarian issues. This fund would aim to provide an attractive, trustworthy platform for youth expression and creativity—protecting them from extremist media, biased international narratives, and misinformation surrounding the Palestinian statehood cause. It also called for the launch of a large-scale digital media campaign led by youth to expose the practices of the Zionist occupation and to inform the international community of the rights of the Palestinian people. The campaign would leverage modern digital tools to maximize global reach and impact. To support this, the Forum emphasized the importance of building youth capacity in digital media, suggesting the organization of workshops and training programs in content creation, digital marketing, and combating hate speech and extremist ideologies. Al-Azhar Observatory announced plans to soon unveil a comprehensive training package designed to deconstruct extremist ideologies in both Arab and Western contexts. The Observatory also committed to backing youth-led digital initiatives that counter misinformation and hate speech, and to providing platforms for showcasing digital creativity and sharing experiences. As part of this commitment, the Observatory announced the launch of the Ihya platform, intended to serve as a foundation for future digital platforms aimed at engaging youth. The fourth edition of the 'Listen and Talk' Forum concluded with a call to action: to transform these recommendations into tangible outcomes. The Forum urged all relevant institutions and dynamic young individuals to join forces in achieving these shared goals, reaffirming the belief that youth are the true architects of the future. The organizers expressed their optimism and openness to new ideas, particularly in preparation for the Forum's fifth edition next year.
Egypt Today
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
4th edition of 'Listen and Talk' forum sheds light on Palestinian cause, combating extremism
CAIRO – 6 May 2025: Al-Azhar Observatory launched, Tuesday, the 4th edition of the 'Listen and Talk' forum, attended by a number of ministers and officials. This year's edition focused on civil and volunteer work and its role in combating extremism, along with the youth's role in spreading awareness about the Palestinian cause in the age of digital media and combating the phenomenon of misinformation through enhancing community awareness. Director of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism, Reham Abdullah confirmed that the observatory was established in 2015 under the supervision of Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb, with the aim of protecting youth from extremism and terrorism. In her speech at the forum, she emphasized that raising awareness of the Palestinian cause is the main theme of this year's forum. She also highlighted the role of youth in spreading awareness of the Palestinian cause, especially in the age of digital media, and how to combat the phenomenon of misinformation by raising community awareness. She noted that the forum is being held amidst growing international challenges, which calls for concerted efforts to confront extremism and enhance youth awareness of the major issues facing societies. The Director of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism called for continued efforts by Al-Azhar to serve youth and communities, emphasizing the need to push for change to achieve a better future. The forum's first session was attended by: Counselor Mahmoud Fawzy, Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs and Political Communication, Dr. Sahar Nasr, Secretary-General of the Egyptian House of Zakat, Ambassador Nabila Makram, Head of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance for Civil Development Action, Dr. Amal Imam, Executive Director of the Egyptian Red Crescent Society. The Forum's second session was attended by Diaa Rashwan, Chairman of the State Information Service, Dr. Mohamed Kamal, Director of the Institute of Arab Research and Studies, Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim El-Duwairi, Deputy Director-General of the Egyptian Center for Thought and Strategic Studies. The forum is one of the most prominent initiatives launched by the Al-Azhar Observatory since 2018, with the aim of providing an interactive space that enables young people to express their views and promote constructive dialogue between generations.
Al-Ahram Weekly
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Al-Azhar condemns Israeli bill to rename the West Bank as ‘Judea and Samaria' - Foreign Affairs
The Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism condemned the approval of a legislative bill by the Israeli ministerial committee that aims to rename the West Bank as "Judea and Samaria," warning that such measures further inflame tensions in the occupied Palestinian territories and the broader Middle East. In a statement on Monday, the observatory stressed that the Israeli committee's actions constitute a blatant violation of international law and the internationally recognized rights of the Palestinian people, including their fundamental right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Earlier on Sunday, Israel's Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved a Knesset bill to replace the term 'West Bank' with 'Judea and Samaria' in official Israeli government documents. Al-Azhar Observatory called on the international community, its institutions, and key stakeholders to take a firm stance against these provocative measures. These measures help entrench colonial policies in the occupied Palestinian territories and prolong — if not entirely erase — the Palestinian cause, in line with the ambitions of the extremist faction controlling the Israeli government. Such actions, the observatory warned, push the region further towards instability. The statement also underscored the heavy toll of ongoing bloodshed, urging the international community to recognize the gravity of the situation. It cited the atrocities and systematic massacres committed in Gaza over the past 15 months, emphasizing that such crimes must not be allowed to recur. The observatory further condemned Israel's daily escalation of violence and decisions that fuel conflict, particularly with the backing of the new US administration, which, in recent weeks, has revealed its true stance on peace efforts in the region. The statement concluded with a warning that these actions will not go unanswered by those who perceive the reality of the situation. Short link:
