Montreal, Oct. 29, 2015 – Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is pleased to announce that it will be hosting Professor Tariq Ramadan of Oxford University for a three city Canadian speaking tour visiting Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, on Nov. 21st, 22nd, and 23rd respectively. A philosopher and writer, in addition to being an academic, Prof. Ramadan will deliver a political talk entitled, Wars, Refugees and Revolutions: Addressing the Fears and Fanaticism of our Age. CJPME considers this a great opportunity for Canadians to hear Prof. Ramadan speak to the preoccupations of both the West and the Muslim world in the face of recent developments in the Middle East, Europe and Canada.
Swiss-born, Prof. Ramadan is currently a Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies in the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Oxford University, UK. Although Prof. Ramadan is foremost known for his writings and guidance for Muslims in the West, it is as a political thinker that Mr. Ramadan will address his audiences in Canada. The focus of his talks will be the varied international reactions to recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa, with particular attention given to the impact of the Syrian civil war (i.e. the expanding conflict, the massive refugee movements, the shifting alliances, the Islam-West perceptions, etc.)
CJPME is delighted to host Prof. Ramadan and believes his lecture will improve the debate in Canada. “The huge refugee migration from the Middle East to Europe is only the latest incident in the crisis of militancy, international politics, faith and religion that faces the world today,” says Thomas Woodley, CJPME’s president. CJPME believes that the rise of Islamophobia in Canada can be clearly linked to Western perceptions of movements and developments being observed in the Middle East and North Africa today. “There are fears on all sides, and there is fanaticism on all sides,” asserts Woodley, “and Prof. Ramadan’s talks should help Canadian audiences better understand these movements and upheavals in their context.”
Having published over 30 books, and having lectured extensively, Prof. Ramadan has expanded and enriched the debate around questions of Islam and the West, and Islamic movements in the Muslim world. He speaks frequently throughout the world on ethics, social justice, faith and ecology, and participates regularly in interfaith as well as intercultural dialogue.
Professional journalists seeking interviews with Prof. Ramadan should contact CJPME’s national office in advance at 438 380 5410.
About CJPME – Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is a non-profit and secular organization bringing together men and women of all backgrounds who labour to see justice and peace take root again in the Middle East. Its mission is to empower decision-makers to view all sides with fairness and to promote the equitable and sustainable development of the region.
For more information, please contact Patricia Jean at 438-380-5410.
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East - www.cjpme.org
The whole or parts of this press release can be reproduced without permission.
– 30 –