Istanbul, 16-19 May 2013 The Fourth General Assembly in the Ninth term of the Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe (FIOE) was held, with the blessing and aid of Allah, from 16-19 May 2013 (6-9 Rajab 1434H) in the city of Istanbul, with the participation of the Federation leadership, and representatives of member organisations in the majority of European countries.
The General Assembly deliberated over the developments in the Federation’s work, and discussed the performance of the Federation, its bodies, and member organisations, seeking to improve performance, develop positive efforts, and overcome difficulties. The General Assembly discussed the situation in Europe, and the affairs of Muslims on the Continent, as well as related issues and concerns. The General Assembly also discussed social issues and a number of questions and matters that are topic of public debate in Europe.
At the close of proceedings, the Assembly articulated the following positions and directives:
• First: the Assembly urges Muslims in Europe to adhere to the principles and teachings of Islam, embody good citizenship and positive examples in their daily life, and provide the best expression of the spirit of positive communication and noble manners, while participating effectively in the service of their societies, and striving for their prosperity.
One of the “positions and directives” resulting from the meeting included an item continuing FIOE’s ongoing incitement over the alleged desire of Israel to destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque:
Sixth: the Assembly expresses its deep concern at the situation in the city of Jerusalem given the violations by the Israeli occupation and extremist gangs of the sanctity of the blessed al-Aqsa Mosque, and Muslim and Christian places of worship, and their relentless efforts to impose a status quo in Jerusalem, and change its civilisational identity, by deepening the ethnic and racial divide within it. The Assembly expresses solidarity with the Palestinian people, and prisoners in the jails of the Israeli occupation; it condemns the unjust policies prcatised against them, and invites European governments to adopt positions to pressure the Israeli government and authorities to halt their continued violations.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is often the subject of various Global Muslim Brotherhood conspiracies theories involving alleged Israeli plots and plans to destroy the mosque. Another likely antisemitic theme from the FIOE meeting included a reference to “positions and voices that work to impede Europe’s Muslims’ participation in public life, seeking to exclude them.” The Global Muslim Brotherhood has often identified Jews or “Zionists” as such a force.
The Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE) claims to be an independent organization representing the interests of Muslims in Europe. In reality, the FIOE is an umbrella group that comprises the global Muslim Brotherhood in Europe. Strong links connect FIOE’s leadership central institutions and member organizations to the Brotherhood, as well as to Saudi Arabia and Ayman Aly, the last-known FIOE Secretary-General, is also a senior member of the Guidance Bureau of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood as well as an adviser to Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. Funding for the FIOE is derived largely from Gulf sources, including some of the ruling families of the United Arab Emirates. The FIOE has strong ties to Hamas and Hamas fund-raising organizations, and some FIOE member organizations show evidence of links with Al-Qaida. The FIOE recently opened a headquarters office in Brussels and has had some success in positioning itself as a “dialog partner” for the EU and other important institutions.
