The Miracle People

Hassen Chalghoumi is the imam of the municipal Drancy mosque in Seine-Saint-Denis, near Paris. He is a moderate who is an outspoken friend of the Jewish people. He wrote the following:

I, the son of Ishmael, an Imam, a Muslim, a man of peace, hereby offer my sincere testimony about this extraordinary people:

I must admit, I believe in religions and in miracles. But there is something about this people — the people of Israel — that truly feels like a living miracle.

A people whom the Pharaohs tried to erase 3,000 years ago… and failed.

A people whom the Babylonians tried to destroy 2,500 years ago… and failed.

A people whom the Romans wanted to annihilate 2,000 years ago… and failed.

A people the Nazis tried to exterminate 80 years ago… and could not wipe out.

A people whom the Arabs fought in five wars to erase from the map… and failed.

This is a small people in number, but possessing a unique strength — a divine blessing. Wherever they place their hand, they succeed: in finance, commerce, science, philosophy, literature… A desert land they turned into a paradise, without oil or gas, but with freedom, democracy, intelligence, and willpower.

This is a people who gave the world Einstein, Newton, Kafka, Karl Marx, Nietzsche, Spinoza, Freud… and many others who left a mark on humanity.

There are realities that neither reason nor logic can explain.

There is only one word for it: Miracle.

For two and a half years, this people has been fighting on five fronts.

They said Israel would tire, that it was on the verge of collapse… yet once again, it surprises the world by opening a new front against an Iranian enemy feared by many, even among Arab regimes.

This people, though small in number, possesses the courage of nobles, the wisdom of prophets, the patience of righteous men, and the determination of survivors.

How could it be otherwise, when they are the descendants of Abraham, Solomon, David, Moses, Jacob, Joseph… and 1,523 prophets and emissaries from among their offspring?

This is the people who brought monotheism and faith in one God to the world.

A people driven by a thirst for life, work, innovation, and continuity — for over 4,000 years.

Truly, I can find no other word to describe them than: The Miracle People.

If the Arabs had clear vision, they would choose to align with this people, learn from them, collaborate with them… perhaps they would absorb their knowledge, wisdom, and dignity.

Hassan Chalghoumi
Imam

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