Month: April 2025

The world has lost a moral force who stood unapologetically with the oppressed. FEMYSO mourns the passing of Pope Francis, a global religious leader who used his voice to uplift the voiceless and challenge power in pursuit of justice.  

At a time where marginalised people, including migrants, refugees and minorities are too often scapegoated for society’s ills, Pope Francis offered a different vision- one rooted in compassion and humanity. He reminded the world that we should respond to human suffering with empathy, openness and shared responsibility.  

Throughout his papacy, he stood firmly with the oppressed. Whether speaking out against poverty, environmental destruction, or war, he used his platform to challenge injustice and call for action.  

FEMYSO particularly honours Pope Francis’ outspoken support for the Palestinians. While much of the international community chose silence in the face of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Pope Francis chose to speak clearly and boldly. Even from his hospital bed, he reached out nightly to the Palestinian Christian community in Gaza and spoke about against the killing of children.  

At a time of rising Islamophobia and division, Pope Francis made real efforts to build bridges between communities to interfaith dialogue, rooted in respect, humility and shared values. He also helped create space for meaningful cooperation between Muslims and Christians across the World.  

As the pan-European network of Muslim youth and students, FEMYSO shares Pope Francis’ belief that faith must drive us towards justice, peace, and solidarity with the oppressed. His legacy strengthens our resolve to keep pushing for a more just, compassionate, and united world. 

Notes:

1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries, and is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.
2. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org 

Brussels – 15 April 2025 –  

We, the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) – Europe, express our deep concern over the continued targeting of civilians of violence in Gaza andthe broader region, particularly the recent bombing of al-Ahli Hospital and the restrictions placed on Palestinian Christians seeking to attend Palm Sunday services in Jerusalem. 

These developments not only raise serious humanitarian concerns but also strike at the core of fundamental rights: the right to life, the right to health, the right to freedom of worship, and the protection of civilians under international law.  

Despite clear protections under the Geneva conventions, hospitals in Gaza have been repeatedly bombed by Israeli forces, Al-Ahli hospital had remained the only critical lifeline after the destruction of medical facilities including Al-Shifa medical complex in Northern Gaza. According to the Palestinian Civil Defence, Sunday’s airstrike destroyed the surgical building and oxygen generation facilities, forcing doctors and patients to evacuate with less than 20 minutes’ notice. Since October 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) has verified at least 654 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza, highlighting the systematic erosion of the territory’s already devastated health system. 

Moreover, Israeli forces blocked thousands of worshippers from entering Jerusalem to attend Palm Sunday services. Regulations require Palestinians to obtain special permits to enter religious sites including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Only a limited number of worshippers were allowed who were mostly from Jerusalem or Palestinian citizens of Israel.  

As young people of faith committed to peace, justice and sanctity of human dignity, we are profoundly dismayed by these acts of violence. The deliberate targeting and destruction of medical facilities- spaces that are meant to heal and not harm- represent grave violations of international law and fundamental human rights. Hospitals and clinics must never be weaponised or deliberately destroyed. Likewise, the right to religious practice must be fiercely safeguarded- particularly during sacred times such as Holy Week, when communities seek refuge in worship, not fear. 

We call on all actors to uphold international law, ensure the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure, and preserve access to places of worship for all communities. 

At a time of immense suffering, we stand in solidarity with all those affected – Palestinian Muslims and Christians alike – and renew our shared commitment to dialogue, justice and the dignity of every human life.  

[END] 

Notes:   

1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries, and is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.
2. The WSCF is a global federation of student Christian groups forming the youth and student arm of the global ecumenical movement.
3. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org