Qatar Charity opens Islamic Centre in Italy

DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) has opened the Radwan Islamic Centre in Italy, which the organisation said will act a bridge between the local Muslim community and other communities.

The centre is located in Colle Valle D’isa, Siena, and was opened by QC CEO Yousef bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, who was part of a QC delegation including Executive Director for International Development, Mohammed bin Ali Al Ghamdi, and Islamic preacher Dr Ahmed Al Hammadi.

The opening ceremony was attended by a number of  Italian officials including the Minister of Culture and a delegation from the City Council represented by Baulo Broujona, mayor of Colle Valle D’isa,

Ezzedine Al Zeer, head of the Council of the Federation of Islamic bodies and organisations in Italy, Firas Jabarin, head of the Islamic community of the city of Siena, representatives from the Monte dei Baski Foundation, governor of the city of Siena, Renato Saccone, representatives from other major religions and students from local educational institutions were also present.

“The Radwan Centre represents the enthusiasm of Qatar Charity to continue its work in Italy through projects that serve the interests of Muslims,” said Al Kuwari in his inaugural address.

He added that Qatar Charity Islamic multi-service centres and mosques serve as a meeting point and enhance the coherence of Muslims, spreading tolerance and the promotion of moderate Islamic values.

The centres also teach Arabic language and help preserve the cultural identity of the Muslim communities by educating Italian Muslims on matters of religion and religious rites, said Al Kuwari. Jabarin said that the centre will act as a bridge between the East and the West.

The Mayor of Colle Valle D’isa also thanked all those involved in the project particularly QC and Monte dei  Baski.

The mayor allocated land for the center, and the Italian parliament contributed to financing of the project.

The president of the Muslim community in the city said that the mosque will be a place of meeting, prayer and dialogue.  “It is a place and a symbol of peace, aimed at overcoming the modern clash of civilizations; defeating it with dialogue,” he said.

Religious leaders including the Bishops of Colle Valle D’isa and Montalcino, Antonio Bonn Cristiani, and the Chief Rabbi of the city of Furness and Siena, Ralf Josephe Levy, highlighted the right of Muslims in the West to practice their religion freely and build places of worship and stressed the need for promoting cultural dialogue between the Islamic world and the West.

The centre comprises a mosque, a school and a Da’wa centre that will provide a range of facilities for cultural, social, sports and leisure activities. It is expected to benefit about 3,500 Muslims in the town of Colle Valle D’isa, as well as Muslim communities in the neighboring Italian cities.