Also atUCBM a minute of silence for the massacres in Paris

"This cannot be Islam": the message of the CRUI

15th November 2015 - Me too'Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma will observe a minute of silence on Monday 16 November at 12pm to remember those who died in the Paris massacre. We publish the professor's message below. Gaetano Manfredi, President of the CRUI, broadcast today in both Italian and French.

The terrible massacre perpetrated in Paris by ISIS militants shocked us, but it doesn't leave us petrified. In reverse. We say immediately and forcefully: "This cannot be Islam." As rectors of Italian universities we are custodians of a human enterprise, that of knowledge, which is by nature peaceful and tolerant. As scholars we know the invaluable contribution made to this universal enterprise by countries and cultures of Islamic tradition. We will always reject anyone's attempt to call a god or an entire civilization an accomplice in murderous, treacherous, ruthless actions like that of November 13th. We will know how to defend this principle and the communities that share it in every way.

A minute's silence will be observed on Monday 16 November at 12,00 in all Italian universities. We invite all citizens to join us, as a sign of brotherhood and mourning. This silence will be the voice of our condemnation and of our determination not to be intimidated.

Gaetano Manfredi, President of CRUI