Paris “Iftar of Peace”: Imam Hassen Chalghoumi awards Olive Branch Peace Prize to President Donald Trump

The annual “Iftar of Peace” in Paris, organized by Imam Hassen Chalghoumi, brought together religious leaders, diplomats and political figures to promote interfaith dialogue and peace.

On March 10, Paris hosted the annual “Iftar of Peace”, an interfaith event organized by Imam Hassen Chalghoumi, president of the Conference of Imams of France and imam of the Drancy mosque, during the holy month of Ramadan.

The gathering, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Paris, brought together several hundred guests from religious, political, and cultural backgrounds with the aim of promoting peace, tolerance and dialogue between communities.

The evening was jointly organized by Imam Hassen Chalghoumi and Lebanese-born pianist and composer Omar Harfouch, and was hosted by journalist and television personality Ariel Wizman.

Among the distinguished guests was the United States Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, who attended the event with his wife, giving the gathering a significant international dimension.

Several French political figures were also present, including former Prime Minister Manuel Valls, former Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti, and Minister Delegate for Ecological Transition Mathieu Lefèvre. Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies also attended the event.

Faith leaders also took part in the interfaith gathering, including the Chief Rabbi of France Haïm Korsia and Jonathan Arfi, president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF). Several imams from France and other European countries also attended.

Writer and intellectual Marek Halter, known for his work promoting dialogue between cultures and religions, addressed the audience and emphasized that civilization begins when people choose dialogue over violence.

During the evening, Omar Harfouch performed a ten-minute excerpt from his “Concerto for Peace”, a musical work presented at several international events and symbolizing the universal language of music in the service of peace.

In his speech, Imam Chalghoumi stressed the importance of defending the values of peace, freedom and fraternity. He also warned about the rise of radical Islamism and the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, which he described as a dangerous ideology for democratic societies and for Islam itself.

At the same time, he expressed support for peace initiatives in the Middle East, including the Abraham Accords, calling for more interfaith initiatives and civic actions to counter extremism.

Former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls also addressed the audience, praising the long-standing efforts of Imam Chalghoumi and Marek Halter in promoting interfaith dialogue and peace. He reaffirmed his commitment to the values of the French Republic, particularly secularism and freedom of conscience.

During the evening, Imam Hassen Chalghoumi presented the Olive Branch Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump, through U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner.

In total, three Olive Branch Peace Prizes were awarded during the event.