Hectic times: Europe and its Muslim minorities

Abstract

The present encounter between Europe and Muslim immigration reflects a clear relevance to the “Triangle,” that is, the tripartite relationship between Europeans, Muslim immigrants, and the spectre of the Jewish experience in Europe. Observers on both sides of the divide have described contemporary cultural anxieties as the Continent’s “new Jewish problem” and are ominously suggesting another Holocaust cannot be ruled out. Immigration is often portrayed as a heavy yoke on European society, culture and economy. Yet, one third of Europe’s economic output is the product of immigrants. Immigration makes a positive contribution to the Continent’s high standards of education and professional skills. Nevertheless, prejudice, discrimination, Islamophobia and Europhobia are emotive issues. Islam is considered a problem, indeed a threat to the European (“white”) race, culture, civilization and the Christian religion, all of which are perceived as under attack. Yet, as the Muslim presence in Europe expands and mosques proliferate, Christians are seizing the opportunity to seek reciprocity in Muslim lands, i.e., freedom to worship and build churches, and improvement of conditions that will stem the exodus of native Christians.