Q&A: Freedom of Islam in Europe
Freedom of Islam in Europe
Question
Today it is clear to everyone that Muslims constitute a concrete threat to Europe. The only reason the governments there give them freedom of dress, prayer, and culture is because of the enlightened Western values that promote freedom of religion for everyone. My question is whether, in your opinion, when I see that a certain religion threatens the state—and this does not have to be Muslims; the Hardalim as well, and also the Haredim in general, constitute a threat (the Hardalim are a messianic threat and the Haredim an economic threat)—is the state allowed to come and dismantle such things? For example, to ban Muslim or Haredi dress, or schools belonging to the Haredi sector? Or speaking the Arabic language? Because one could argue that this is ultimately just self-defense and not ideological coercion.
Answer
It is difficult to answer in general terms. There are different situations and different courses of action. There is also a difference between not funding something and prohibiting religious worship; between not accepting immigrants and restricting their movement after they have already entered.