Berlin Conference : discuss the challenges that communities are facing as a result of politicization of religion
January 28, 2020, 3:00 am

Berlin Conference : discuss the challenges that communities are facing as a result of politicization of religion

The Conference of European Rabbis (CER) with the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities (IAFSC) held a conference to discuss the challenges societies face as a result of politicization of religion and increased hate crime, presenting successful examples of countering these negative impacts, as this conference builds on the work done during the workshop in The United States and Russia, and France, which explored the role of faith leaders in combating hate crimes.

The meeting took place in Berlin, and it presented several successful examples in confronting the adverse effects that result from the politicization of religion and supporting its institutions from external sources secretly or under certain conditions. These institutions are constrained by some restrictions due to the nature of these targeted funds for political purposes.

The forum was held under the conviction that the challenge posed by violent extremism and hate crimes requires a comprehensive approach that brings diverse perspectives, as attendees discussed the politicization of religion in various national and international contexts, and how this interferes with the stability and prosperity of society.

The factors that constitute hate crime and how it can be combated were discussed; in addition to religion as a political tool for domination; the thin line between hate crimes and terrorism and the early measures that can be taken; the recent history of extremism in Europe; the politicization of religion and its impact on societies in Europe and how religion can be a voice of hope in modern societies; And who benefits from politicizing religion and encouraging hate crimes.

In this context, the Chief Rabbi of Moscow, Pinchas Goldschmidt, also the President of the Conference of European Rabbis, affirmed, " The Conference of European Rabbis and the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities operate under the aligned acknowledgment that empowering faith leaders with the knowledge and expertise to play an active and effective role in community safety will be integral to the stability, security, and development of our society. Increasingly, faith is being harnessed to advance political and extremist agendas, and community interventions to thwart extremism are crucial. Alongside the IAFSC, the Conference of European Rabbis is collectively committed to playing our part in countering the manipulation of faith for political means.”

Among the speakers were Prof. Peter Neumann of King's College, London; Cem Özdemir, MP, Chairman of the Committee on Transport and Digital Infrastructure, The Greens Parliamentary Group, German Bundestag; MP, Federal Government Commissioner for Global Freedom of Religion, Federal Prof. Dr. Heribert Hirte, MP, Deputy Chairman, Committee on Legal Affairs and Consumer Protection, CDU/CSU-Parliamentary Group, German Bundestag; Dr. Felix Klein, Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Anti-Semitism; Moderator: Dr. Daniel Gerlach, Co-Founder, and Managing Director, Candid-Foundation; Viola van Melis, Head of Center for Research Communication, Cluster of Excellence, Religion and Politics, University of Münster; Olivier Guitta, Managing Director, GlobalStrat, London; Stephan J. Kramer, President, Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Free State of Thuringia; Mirco Keilberth, German North Africa Correspondent, Tunisia

The Conference of European Rabbis (CER) is the first Orthodox rabbinical alliance in Europe. It unites over seven hundred faith leaders of the mainstream synagogue communities in Europe. The CER Rabbis was tasked with defending the religious rights of Jews in Europe and has become the voice of Judaism in Europe. The CER is also committed to inter-religious dialogue with Muslims and Christians to counter the increasing radicalization in politics and society and to increase the security of local religious communities.

Views were exchanged on the reality of the situation in some European countries concerning the escalation of the wave of hatred and its causes, which is reflected in the politicized financial support from outside the European Union. The role of Turkey in supporting Islamic institutions in Germany, France, and other countries had a share in the discussion on the importance of dealing strictly with the matter and resolving this issue related to financial support that is being spent in politics and interference in the affairs of countries and their Muslim societies.

On this point and the extent of the problem and the seriousness of accepting external financial support, and during a dialogue table, French political and media researcher Olivier Guitta highlighted the big and continuing mistake of ignoring support by the Turkish state for many religious institutions and mosques that promote values and customs that contradict the local traditions, and also highlighted Qatar's role during the nineties in the financing of Islamic religious institutions in Europe, considering that what is happening now is beyond compare to the role that Turkey is playing due to the enormous humanitarian and financial efforts made.

He continued reviewing the influence that Turkey achieved through the policies of the Justice and Development Party in interfering in the affairs of the surrounding countries from the gate of debt and financial support. “The Islamic community in France, Belgium, and Germany has been dominated by Turkey” giving an example of the leadership of the Muslim community in Germany and the strength of its relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who in September 2018 opened a large mosque in Germany in which the number of mosques exceeds 300, and the number of Islamic institutions and associations reaches four hundred institutions. Also, half of the mosques in Belgium are controlled by Turkey.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.