Fraternal Assizes — interfaith dialogue, Forum 104, Paris (18 May 2026)

On Monday 18 May, the association Les Compagnons organised the “Fraternal Assizes”, a gathering under the theme: “Why is dialogue the only solution?”. It was co-organised with Ensemble avec Marie and Les Guerrières de la Paix, and held at Forum 104, in Paris.

The event brought together several figures committed to dialogue, peace and living together, among them Shaykh Mohamed Faouzi Al Karkari as well as:

• Michel Serfaty, Franco-Moroccan rabbi and founder of the Jewish-Muslim Friendship of France (AJMF);
• Fadela Vaillant, vice-president of the association Les Guerrières de la Paix;
• Jean-François de Marignan, representative of the association EFESIA, which works to bring peoples closer;
• Mouhamadou Abu Nur, doctor of public law and jurist at the Conseil d'État.

Three questions for dialogue

During the meeting, the exchanges revolved around three main questions: What unites us? How do we reconcile our differences? What solutions exist to promote living together?

The speakers stressed the importance of sincere dialogue between religious, cultural and human traditions, in a world context marked by identity tensions and social fractures. All insisted on the need to overcome prejudice, to seek to know the other and to realise that what the three religious traditions aim at is to want for others what one would want for oneself.

The Shaykh's message

The presence of Shaykh Mohamed Faouzi al-Karkari carried a very strong message. He called for putting spirituality back at the heart of our lives, realising that the whole of creation was created, ultimately, only so that we may know ourselves and realise the knowledge of our Creator.

He also explained that France is seen throughout the world, and notably in Morocco, as a land of freedom and of living together. It is home to inhabitants of every origin and religion, and he recalled that it is everyone's duty to respect the established rules and laws, so that society can be built in respect for each person.

Thanks to the association Les Compagnons which, through these Fraternal Assizes, continues its commitment to dialogue, peace and bringing the different components of society closer together.