Urgent meeting request: San Diego Islamic Center attack

Brussels, May 23rd 2026

Dear Anti-Muslim Hatred Coordinator, Ms Marion Lalisse,

We are writing in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attack targeting the Islamic Center in San Diego, which claimed the lives of three victims and left deep trauma across the wider Muslim community.

While this attack took place outside Europe, the conditions and narratives that enable such violence are not confined to one country or context. Anti-Muslim hatred, exclusionary rhetoric, and the normalisation of Islamophobia continue to rise across Europe and beyond, with devastating consequences for the safety, dignity, and belonging of Muslim communities.

It could collectively be acknowledged that this attack is not an isolated incident. It reflects a broader global climate in which Muslims are increasingly portrayed as threats, outsiders, or disposable communities. Such narratives are amplified not only by extremist actors, but too often by political discourse, media platforms, and public institutions that fail to meaningfully engage Muslim communities as equal stakeholders in democratic life.

As a representative network bringing together more than 30 organisations across over 20 countries, we have worked for many years to combat anti-Muslim hatred, racism, discrimination, and exclusion in all their forms. Since 2015, we have maintained a long-standing record of engagement with the European Commission and successive Coordinators on combating anti-Muslim hatred. Throughout this period, we have consistently advocated for policies grounded in fundamental rights, equal citizenship, and meaningful participation of Muslim communities in decisions affecting them.

Our work has included numerous impactful initiatives aimed at addressing Islamophobia and strengthening social cohesion, including projects such as IMAN, EADAI, ADVISE, and MEET, among others. These initiatives have focused on monitoring discrimination, empowering Muslim youth, countering hate narratives, building institutional capacity, and fostering inclusive democratic participation across Europe.

Meaningful engagement with Muslim communities cannot be symbolic, selective, or conditioned on political convenience. Muslim representative organisations and youth-led initiatives must be treated as legitimate partners in shaping policies intended to address anti-Muslim hatred and social exclusion. Marginalising representative Muslim voices and not meaningfully engaging with them risk reinforcing the very exclusionary environment that enables anti-Muslim hatred to grow.

The European Commission has both a political and moral responsibility to engage meaningfully with organisations such as Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) and broader Muslim representative networks. Failure to genuinely include Muslim youth and communities in policymaking processes does not constitute neutrality; it risks contributing to the continued rise and normalisation of anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia across Europe.

In light of the San Diego attack and the broader rise in anti-Muslim hatred internationally, we would welcome the opportunity to urgently meet with you to discuss concrete steps the European Commission can take, together with the civil society, to prevent similar attacks from occurring in Europe. Such a meeting would provide an important opportunity to exchange expertise, discuss emerging risks and challenges facing Muslim communities, and strengthen meaningful institutional engagement based on partnership, trust, and the principle of “nothing about us without us.”

We remain committed to constructive engagement and to working together toward policies that uphold justice, inclusion, and the safety of all communities.

Sincerely,

Hiba Latreche
FEMYSO President

FEMYSO CONDEMNS THE TERRORIST ATTACK TARGETING THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY IN SAN DIEGO

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) expresses its profound grief and unequivocal condemnation following the terrorist attack targeting worshippers at the Islamic Center of San Diego, California.

This horrific act of violence is far from a one-time incident, it comes amid a continued rise in anti-Muslim hatred, dehumanising and demonising rhetoric, and the normalisation of Islamophobia across public and political discourse. Muslim communities continue to bear the consequences of an environment in which hatred against Muslims is tolerated, amplified, and insufficiently challenged.

Places of worship, faith-based educational institutions and community gathering places must never become sites of fear, violence, or mourning. Yet once again, Muslims have been targeted while gathering in a mosque. Such attacks leave deep and lasting wounds not only on the directly affected community, but on Muslims globally, who continue to witness increasing hostility and insecurity.

We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones and families of Amin Abdullah, Nadir Awad and Mansoor Kazziha, and the wider Muslim community in San Diego. We also express our solidarity with all those impacted by this devastating attack, including community members, students, educators, and families connected to the mosque and its surrounding institutions.

Unfortunately, the ideology and narratives that fuel attacks such as this have become increasingly widespread far beyond the United States. Across Europe and elsewhere, islamophobic rhetoric has been amplified by political actors, media figures, and extremist movements that portray Muslims as outsiders, demographic threats or incompatible with society. In recent weeks, public marches and political campaigns in the UK have openly targeted Muslim communities, while some public officials and politicians have called for mass expulsions and exclusionary policies directed at Muslims and migrants.

FEMYSO calls on political leaders, institutions, media actors, and digital platforms to take meaningful action against Islamophobia, hate speech, and extremist violence. Statements of condemnation alone are not enough. Concrete measures are urgently needed to protect Muslim communities and confront the systems and narratives that enable such violence to persist.

This attack once again demonstrates the urgent need for sustained efforts to combat Islamophobia in all its forms and to ensure that Muslims are able to live, gather, and worship in safety and dignity.

[END]

Notes:

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.

For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org.

FEMYSO Participates in First-Ever EU Anti-Racism Conference in Brussels

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations participated in shaping discussions at the first ever Anti-Racism Conference organised by the European Commission in Brussels, in collaboration with the Cyprus Presidency of the EU. Marking the launch of the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026–2030, the event represents a key moment in defining the Union’s future approach to combating racism and advancing equality.

Bringing together stakeholders from EU institutions, academia, and civil society, the conference created a space for exchange on both the structural dimensions of racism and the policy responses required to address them. Contributions from speakers such as Michaela Moua (Anti-Racism Coordinator of the European Commission), Sirpa Rautio (Director at FRA), and Domenica Ghidei-Bhidu (ECRI) highlighted ongoing challenges, while also outlining institutional commitments to advancing anti-racism efforts across Europe.

Within this context, FEMYSO’s participation reflects a strategic engagement at a critical policy moment. As an organisation representing Muslim youth across Europe, its presence in early-stage discussions around the Anti-Racism Strategy is essential to ensuring that lived realities are not overlooked. By contributing directly to policy conversations, FEMYSO reinforces its role as a credible and necessary stakeholder in European anti-racism policymaking; one that moves beyond consultation toward sustained advocacy and accountability.

FEMYSO took part in the “Protecting Civic Space in the EU” breakout session, where discussions focused on the increasing constraints faced by civil society organisations. Participants identified key challenges including limited access to funding, shrinking civic space, and the rise of smear campaigns targeting advocacy groups. In response, FEMYSO emphasised the need for EU institutions to engage in meaningful and sustained dialogue with affected organisations, rather than sidelining them. These contributions were subsequently reflected in the plenary session, underscoring both their relevance and resonance within broader discussions.

At the same time, while the launch of the Anti-Racism Strategy represents an important institutional step, its long-term significance will depend on whether it is matched by concrete action. Without clear implementation plans, robust monitoring mechanisms, and enforceable accountability structures, there is a real risk that the strategy remains limited in impact. For organisations such as FEMYSO, continued engagement will be crucial, not only to support the strategy’s ambitions, but also to ensure that commitments translate into tangible improvements for affected communities.

Preliminary observations of the Anti-Racism Strategy 2026–2030 also point to areas requiring further scrutiny. Questions remain regarding how comprehensively structural forms of racism are addressed, as well as whether specific manifestations, such as anti-Muslim racism, are sufficiently recognised and tackled.  A more in-depth analysis of the strategy’s scope and enforcement tools will be essential in assessing its potential to deliver meaningful change. In this regard, sustained advocacy from civil society actors, including FEMYSO, will play a key role in shaping both the interpretation and implementation of the framework in the years to come.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2026

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we solemnly honour the six million Jewish lives brutally taken during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of Roma, Sinti, people with disabilities, and countless others who were persecuted and murdered because of who they were. Their suffering and loss stand as one of history’s darkest warnings. 

The Holocaust did not happen overnight. It was the result of hatred allowed to grow; prejudice left unchallenged, and a world that too often looked away. History has repeatedly shown the consequences of such indifference. When discrimination is tolerated and dehumanisation becomes normalised, it can escalate into unimaginable violence. 

Antisemitism and all forms of prejudice are learned, not innate. As UNESCO highlights, education and remembrance are essential tools to challenge hatred and prevent atrocities like the Holocaust and genocides such as Srebrenica. Remembering these tragedies means recognising and confronting the warning signs of hatred, denial, distortion, and indifference. When these forces go unchallenged, they undermine human dignity and create conditions in which atrocities can occur. 

Remembrance, therefore, is not only about honouring the past, but about acting in the present. It is a call to stand against all forms of racism and prejudice, recognising that antisemitism cannot be addressed in isolation from Islamophobia, antigypsyism, anti-Black racism, anti-Asian racism, and other forms of discrimination. 

FEMYSO stands in unwavering solidarity with Jewish communities and all those targeted by hate. We reaffirm that “Never Again” is not only a promise to remember the past, but a commitment to act in the present, to defend justice, human rights, and the safety of all. 

[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. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org 

FEMYSO DENOUNCES ECR REPORT’S FALSE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MUSLIM CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS

Brussels, 13 January 2026 

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) strongly rejects and condemns the allegations contained in the report recently published by the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group. The report reflects a pattern of ideologically driven narratives that misrepresent Muslim civil society organisations in Europe. Notably, it repeatedly misidentifies FEMYSO as a “federation” rather than a forum, pointing to a broader lack of factual accuracy and an absence of direct engagement with our organisation. 

FEMYSO is a transparent, volunteer-led, and democratically governed civil society organisation that has worked for decades to empower young people, promote civic participation, and uphold fundamental rights across Europe. Our activities, partnerships, and funding are fully disclosed and subject to standard scrutiny and accountability mechanisms. FEMYSO operates in accordance with democratic principles, civic engagement, and social cohesion, and has never been involved in any activity contrary to these values. FEMYSO is fully independent and maintains no political affiliations or ties with any organisation or party. 

The ECR report makes no attempt to consult FEMYSO or to substantiate its claims with verifiable evidence. Instead, it relies on a narrow set of sources that have previously contributed to misleading and Islamophobic narratives. Similar allegations in the past have been amplified through disinformation campaigns rather than objective, evidence-based inquiry. As a result, FEMYSO’s work promoting inclusion, transparency, and constructive civic engagement is either omitted or misrepresented. 

Reports of this nature are not only inaccurate but also socially harmful. By framing Muslim civil society organisations as inherently suspect, they risk legitimising exclusionary policies, discouraging civic participation, and marginalising underrepresented communities. Such narratives contribute to Islamophobia and discrimination, undermining the pluralism and democratic engagement that European institutions claim to uphold. 

FEMYSO remains committed to empowering young people to participate fully in European society and to promoting equality, pluralism, and human rights. We call on European institutions, policymakers, and media actors to exercise due diligence, engage directly with the organisations concerned, and reject fear-based narratives. Attempts to discredit FEMYSO will not deter our work; they only reinforce the importance of defending civic space, inclusion, and social cohesion. 

[END]  

  1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 20 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. FEMYSO responds to false allegations on links to Muslim Brotherhood
  3. Smear campaign investigation statement 
  4. FEMYSO New Yorker statement: https://femyso.org/femyso-new-yorker-statement/
  5. Further clarifications on our organisation and its governance can be found on the FAQ page.
  6. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org

FEMYSO at the European Youth Forum COMEM 2025 

On 7–8 November 2025, FEMYSO attended the European Youth Forum’s Council of Members (COMEM) and General Assembly (GA) at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland. The gathering brought together youth organisations from across Europe to debate policies, strengthen cooperation, and look ahead to the coming term. 

Observer Member Status 

This year’s meeting was especially meaningful for our organisation: FEMYSO was officially welcomed as an Observer Member of the European Youth Forum. This recognition strengthens our ability to contribute to youth policy at the European level and reflects our ongoing commitment to representing and empowering young Muslims across Europe. 

Engaging in Discussions 

On the first day of COMEM, FEMYSO’s delegation introduced our organisation to the European Youth Forum community, sharing our mission to represent and empower young Muslims across Europe. The General Assembly featured sessions and presentations by member organisations showcasing their projects and achievements. These discussions offered valuable insights, fostering learning, exchange, and inspiration for FEMYSO’s future collaborations. 

Meeting Partners 

The event also offered a valuable opportunity to reconnect with partners and build new relationships. We were glad to meet with organisations including FYEG, OBESSU, EYCE, YEE, YEN, Y-E-N, JEF, ESN, ESU, EDF, and EUDY, among many others across the European youth movement. We also met and exchanged ideas with a number of youth councils including those from Norway, Sweden, Lithuania, Switzerland and many more. These exchanges allowed us to discuss shared priorities, explore future collaborations, and strengthen friendships that support our work across Europe. 

Looking Forward 

Becoming an Observer Member marks an exciting new chapter for FEMYSO. We look forward to contributing to the European Youth Forum’s work, amplifying the voices of young Muslims in Europe, and working alongside fellow organisations to build a more inclusive and democratic future. 

We extend our gratitude to the European Youth Forum and all organisations present for their warm welcome, constructive conversations, and inspiring exchanges. 

FEMYSO Calls Time on Europe’s Islamophobia Crisis 

By FEMYSO Advocacy Team 

On September 22nd, in observance of the European Action Day Against Islamophobia (EADAI), the FEMYSO team convened its annual conference at the European Parliament. We were pleased to have the distinguished support of Brando Benifei MEP and Cecila Strada MEP, establishing from the outset that this was an urgent, cross-institutional effort to challenge the persistent failure of European institutions to uphold their foundational values. This gathering was far more than routine; it was a direct and necessary response to the escalating hostility and institutional repression targeting Muslim youth across the continent, confronting the policies and practices that undermine our rights and democratic freedoms. 

We gathered, acutely aware of the historical weight of prejudice, noting the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Yet, while we look back in mourning, the current political landscape is shadowed by the ongoing genocide in Gaza, enabled by continued European political and economic ties, and the local lethal consequence of unchecked hate – such as the brutal murder of Aboubakar Cisse in a French mosque. The failure of the establishment to act decisively on anti-Muslim racism is not just regrettable; it is indefensible. 

Keynote Remarks: The Institutional Challenge 

The conference immediately drew a powerful coalition of MEPs, policymakers, and civil society advocates, all of whom, we trust, left with an uncomfortable truth to take back to their desks. The proceedings began with vital Keynote Remarks that set the stage for our day of critical confrontation. 

Our political supporter for the event, Brando Benifei, MEP (Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament), who delivered a necessary challenge, stressing the need for European institutions to actively ely champion civil liberties, arguing that we have all been witnesses to their alarming decline. He noted that the topic of Islamophobia is tragically losing traction on a higher political level, fuelled by right-wing movements where previously unacceptable racist language has become normalised within institutions. To counter this, he stressed the need to strengthen alliances, create funding for combating discrimination, focus on equality legislation, and provide appropriate resources. He affirmed his commitment to continue assisting on this matter and graciously thanked FEMYSO for our work in building dialogue between institutions and member states, ensuring the day’s momentum would not be lost. 

The message from Benedetta Scuderi, MEP, was exceptional, linking our struggle directly to the global fight for human dignity. Speaking live from a flotilla on its way to break the siege on Gaza, she highlighted the alarming lack of support for civil societies and the increased loss of civil rights, emphasising that racism is a structural issue that must be confronted. She insisted that we must continue to support grassroots organisations like FEMYSO, particularly at a time when misinformation is deliberately deployed to jeopardise the vital work of Muslim civil society. She argued that institutions must invest resources to support us, or else they are sending a clear message about their priorities. Her final powerful point was that defending civic spaces stands as the ultimate test of credibility for European ideology, as the ongoing genocide in Gaza has demonstrated how dehumanisation can lead to a blind eye being turned to horrific events. 

A significant contribution came from Marion Lalisse, the European Commission’s Coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred. Cutting through the institutional fog, she stated plainly that ”anti-Muslim hatred is a reality in Europe.” Furthermore, she detailed the Commission’s work to uphold the UN charter, including collaborating with the international community, such as Australia and Canada, to monitor online hate – a crucial step in reducing the risk of anti-Muslim prejudice manifesting here in Europe.  

Panel 1: Under Pressure: Youth, Islamophobia and Shrinking Civic Space 

The first panel, expertly moderated by Mark Dempsey (EU Advocacy Lead at ARTICLE 19), tackled the notion that the European Parliament is a safe space – n issue that continues to raise concern among our youth advocates’. This discussion, featuring Danilo Della Valle MEP, Milosh Ristovski (European Youth Forum), Mila Paspalanova (OHCHR), and Nourhene Mahmoudi (European Network Against Racism representative and ), went to the heart of how fundamental freedoms – such as protesting, organising, and participating in public life -are increasingly under threat. We highlighted how Islamophobia is used to silence, sideline, and police Muslim presence (as seen during the 2025 European Youth Event), and stressed that civil society must build coalitions. The consensus was a ringing endorsement that this shared struggle must be transformed into collective power to safeguard democratic participation, including the in the anti-racism strategy, young people should not have to always feel that they have to advocate for themselves – they should be able to develop without fears of being being the scapegoat for political gain, variables, discrimination etc its alarming what has happened around Europe where we are seeing these shrinking of civic spaces, new police powers that mean peaceful protests can be targeted etc examples in the last year include.. 

Panel 2: Equality in Education: Addressing Socioeconomic Barriers and Opportunity Gaps 

Beyond the high politics, we drilled down into the plumbing of the system in Equality in Education: Addressing Socioeconomic Barriers and Opportunity Gaps. Moderated by Sara Aljic, the President of the Muslim Students Association Netherlands, this panel focused on how higher education, supposedly the great leveller, still functions as a cleverly designed obstacle course for Muslim students. Speakers Marie-Amah Kouadio (European Anti-Poverty Network), Rui Teixeira (OBESSU), and Joana Azeiteiro (European Students Union) exposed the daily inequities: harassment on campus and the lack of basic accommodations for basic religious expression like wearing a headscarf. We contextualised this structural Islamophobia within the wider landscape of student struggles—from the crippling effect of financial pressures and unpaid internships to the resulting impact on mental health. The crucial takeaway was that these systemic inequalities are not benign; they disproportionately impact Muslim and other marginalised communities, making education a source of exclusion rather than empowerment. 

Our Vision: Time to Prioritise Principle 

The European Action Day Against Islamophobia is a perpetual call to action. FEMYSO leaves the Parliament with a mandate: to continue to advocate, to organise, and to empower European Muslim youth. The lessons of history and the crises of the present demand that European institutions—and every one of us—move beyond carefully worded platitudes. We have had the critical dialogue. Now, it is time for Brussels to prioritise principle and translate these discussions into tangible policies to secure dignity and justice for all. 

FEMYSO’s International Activity: Organisational Sustainability in Youth Work 

On the last week of July 2025, FEMYSO hosted a dynamic 5-day training aimed at empowering Muslim Youth across Europe to strengthen the governance and long-term impact of their organisations, gathering 35 participants across the Council of Europe Member States to Verona, Italy.

The training focused on enhancing the participants’ skills and operational capacity, enabling them to lead their organisations more effectively and sustainably by providing comprehensive training sessions across five key areas – strategic planning, human resources, marketing/branding, finances, fundraising and equipping the participants with the tools necessary to create sustainable organisational structures and develop a strategic plan which address both short- and long-term goals.  

With the approach of non-formal education, the training combined workshops, case studies, group discussions, and strategy development exercises, encouraging participants to apply their learning in actionable plans and practical contexts. The participants had also the opportunity to explore the rich history of Verona, savour Italian delicacies and network with the representatives of local Muslim organisations such as FEMYSO’s member organisation Giovani Musulmani d’Italia (GMI). 

This immersive experience not only equipped participants with essential skills but also fostered a collaborative environment where they could exchange ideas and build connections that will support their organisations’ sustainable growth and follow up projects. 

Testimonials: 

The Organisational Sustainability training was an inspiring and empowering event. I had the opportunity to learn from experts on how to build a sustainable future for my organisation in a planned and strategic way. It was empowering because we were given actual tools to use in our own organisation and the constant open dialogue gave us a broader perspective on what we can achieve. As Muslim youth in Europe, having these insightful sessions helped us regain strength in our community and hope for our future.

Batul K. (Italy) 

The FEMYSO training week provided me and my fellow board members with practical tools to take back and apply within our organisation. It encouraged us to reflect on our internal processes, while also helping us design interventions that strengthen our work towards long-term organisational sustainability. Beyond the valuable knowledge gained, we also had the opportunity to meet inspiring leaders from across Europe and benefited greatly from the exchange of advice and best practices.

Anass C. (Netherland)

The FEMYSO training in Verona was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The atmosphere was full of positive energy, the instructors were fantastic, and I gained valuable knowledge especially about finances, which I see as key for the success of Muslims. I was proud to represent Sandžak, a mostly Muslim region in Serbia that few people know about. I loved the balance between dunya and akhirah, and I made friends I truly love for the sake of Allah.

Rumejsa D. (Serbia)

Participating in the Organisational Sustainability training shaped me as a leader and sharpened my vision for long-term impact. The program challenged me to rethink how goals are set and communicated. I learned to use the SMART framework to make sustainability objectives clear, measurable, and inspiring for the whole team. This experience strengthened both my strategic thinking and my ability to motivate others, helping me grow into a leader who drives meaningful, lasting change.

Hamse A. (Finland)

The International Activity was co-funded by the European Youth Foundation. 

FEMYSO calls on Europe to Protect the Sumud Aid Flotilla

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) expresses grave concern over the possibility of attacks on the Sumud Flotilla as it nears Gaza, and we demand its protection under international law. This humanitarian mission carries not only vital aid but a powerful message of resistance, dignity, and solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza. 

The world cannot ignore that this flotilla sails as Palestinians in Gaza are subjected to a campaign of destruction that amounts to genocide. Entire families have been erased, vital infrastructure has been obliterated, and an entire population has been pushed to famine and the brink of survival. The international community has a legal and moral duty to act. 

We call on: 

  • European governments and parliaments to publicly guarantee safe passage for the Sumud Flotilla, to intervene diplomatically, and to hold Israel to its obligations under maritime law, the Geneva Conventions, and human rights law. 
     
  • The European Union and its High Representative to adopt an unequivocal stance in favour of protecting humanitarian access to Gaza, rather than enabling further blockade. 
     
  • Civil society organisations and youth movements across Europe to amplify calls for the protection of the flotilla, to mobilise public pressure, and to refuse complicity by silence. 

The Sumud Flotilla is not an act of provocation. It is an act of necessity, in defiance of a blockade that has perpetuated a humanitarian catastrophe. The lives of those aboard the flotilla, and the lives of countless Palestinians awaiting aid, must not be bargained away for geopolitical convenience. 

We have seen several governments across Europe take the long-delayed decision to recognise the State of Palestine. The protection of the Sumud Flotilla is the first test to see whether these decisions were merely symbolic, or whether these governments Europe has finally decided to uphold its stated principle as a leader in human rights. If it fails to act, it will deepen. its complicity in the evils inflicted upon the Palestinian population in Gaza and the wider occupied territories.   

Silence today is complicity tomorrow. FEMYSO stands unwaveringly behind the Sumud Flotilla. We will not rest until Gaza’s borders are open, its people are free, and human dignity is restored. 

Protect the Sumud Flotilla. Protect Gaza. Uphold Justice. 

PRESS RELEASE | FEMYSO Demands Justice and Structural Change after Racist Murder of 26-year-old Nursing Student in Germany

For immediate release 

Brussels, 16 July 2025

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) expresses its deepest sorrow and outrage following the racist murder of Rahma Ayad, a 26-year-old nursing student of Algerian descent, stabbed to death by her neighbor on Friday, July 4th in Hemmingen, a district of Hanover, Germany. 

Rahma had recently moved to Germany to pursue her studies and career in nursing. She was known by her peers and teachers as caring, dedicated, and ambitious. In the weeks leading up to her murder, Rahma had reportedly faced repeated racist and Islamophobic harassment by the alleged perpetrator; harassment she formally reported to police. No protective measures were taken. 

This brutal crime represents a systemic failure.  

Germany recorded 3,080 anti-Muslim incidents in 2024, a 60% increase from 2023 – revealing two homicides, 198 assaults, and over 70 mosque attacks, with women making up 71% of identifiable victims.  

According to a 2024 report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights 68% of Muslims in Germany reported experiencing racial discrimination over the previous five years, compared to the EU average of 47%. 

The unchecked escalation of racist harassment against visible Muslim women has, tragically, turned lethal. Such violence is not random; it is a product of pervasive Islamophobia allowed to fester in European societies. 

FEMYSO calls for the following urgent actions: 

  1. Full recognition of this case as a hate crime under German law, with transparent investigation and prosecution of the alleged perpetrator, the 31-year-old German neighbor now in custody. 
  1. Comprehensive review and overhaul of police and local authority responses to Islamophobic harassment, ensuring early protection for those at risk. 
  1. EU-wide frameworks and institutional support to protect Muslim women who face daily threats and increased racial and Islamophobic targeting, emphasising visibility, safety, and empowerment. 
  1. Support civil society organisations doing vital work to support victims of discrimination and hate crime. 

“Rahma’s murder was not just the act of one individual, it is a direct result of neglect by institutions that repeatedly fail to take Islamophobia seriously and protect Muslim women, migrants, and racialised communities,” said Fjona Nela, FEMYSO’s Head of Campaigns “This cannot continue. Justice must be pursued in this case but systemic change is needed in order to save lives.” 

This tragic death is a stark message: failure by governments to take Islamophobia seriously iş costing lives. FEMYSO demands not just words of condolence, but concrete actions to protect individuals and communities. 

[END] 

NOTES: 

  1. Murder of Algerian woman in Germany prompts protests 
  1. Being Muslim in the EU – Experiences of Muslims 
  1. Anti-Muslim attacks in Germany hit record high in 2024 
  1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network of 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries. It is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.       
  1. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org.