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You are here: Home News Spanish News Moroccan Dutch ambivalent toward Islam
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29/09/2008Moroccan Dutch ambivalent toward Islam

A survey shows that most Moroccan youth in the Netherlands want to continue some Muslim traditions while integrating into Dutch society.

29 September 2008

AMSTERDAM -- According to a survey conducted by a Dutch television programme, the majority of young people of Moroccan origin rarely or never visit a mosque. However, 97 percent observe the month-long Muslim holiday of Ramadan.

The survey shows that a large majority of ethnic Moroccan youth would want their children to attend a Koran school, the Muslim equivalent of a Christian Sunday school. However, they also want their children to become part of Dutch society.

[Radio Netherlands / Expatica]


8 reactions to this article

james posted: 2008-09-29 21:30:02

Vote for Geert Wilders.

S Jiwaji posted: 2008-09-30 13:01:55

Dear Sirs,

You stated in your article "the month-long Muslim holiday of Ramadan." Please note that it is not a "holiday." It never was, so it is untrue to say that. Some Muslims may opt to take a few days off work as there are some very spiritual days and nights, but these are few in number. The vast majority work most of the month. It, therefore, is not a holiday, not even in the so called "Islamic Countries." It is instead a month to celebrate the Lords countless praises.

Your article also gives the impression that it is either not possible or not desirable for people in question to attend the weekly “Koran school” as well as integrate into Dutch society. I am sure Dutch society does not prohibit or discourage this neither is it adversely affected by it. It is perfectly possible to do both. I say this because you have used the word “However” in the last sentence.

I hope that this doesn’t come across as an attack on words, however, care needs to be taken in using the correct words as your information is conveyed in words. It was an interesting article.

Best Regards.

Kamran posted: 2008-09-30 13:06:31

"...HOWEVER, they also want their children to become part of Dutch society."

What does ´however´ mean? Can the children not follow a Koran school and still be part of Dutch society? And there is no "month-long Muslim holiday of Ramadan". All Muslims work through the whole month. Using such biased language is not befitting of a forum like Expatica.

Dorothy posted: 2008-09-30 13:55:40

I have been following news and comments on morrocan youths closely. Why is it news or a surprise to anyone that they want to carry on their traditions? that is their identity!! Everyone has a human right to choose their identity. They happen to be fortunate they can have two different identities! Moroccan Dutch or Dutch moroccans whichever way you see it. This should be accepted and given space in this society because this is their human right and in essence who they are. The world is becoming a global village in many ways, therefor i find it to be ignorance to think people will leave their other identities/cultures for the dutch identities/cultures as a superior one or for whatever reason. Good example: Look at Obama boasting about his Kenyan identity/roots in a village without roads, good schools, clean water and electricity!

teddy posted: 2008-10-01 22:36:39

You're right Dorothy, things are so bad here perhaps they would be happier in their own country. Oh and it's only the West that's becoming a global village not the world because living in Morroco etc... is shit. The 1st/2nd generation should go back for a while to remind themselves why they are here they may learn to show a little gratitude, instead of putting knives to bus drivers throats. Oh! that's right, sorry you blame the government for that.

Dorothy posted: 2008-10-02 06:48:33

The carrying of knives is only a symptom. If the rootcause is not addressed, things will only get worse. I comment on this issue because of that. We cannot burry our heads in the sand on this one.

About immigration, the Dutch are the most migrated people in the world Compared to the size of their country! How about all the dutch people away for starters come back to their country too... Many of them think Holland is bad too that is why they left to seek better opportunities, for example to South Africa and all over Africa. Not mentioning the west, Canada, Australia e.t.c.

The fact is, for the 1st/2nd generation moroccans, Morroco is their Country too, and so is Netherlands. I am sure they also have homes there. They are definitely advantaged than many average Dutch citizens who belong to only one country, but that is no good reason to aliniate them. They are within their human rights.

The dutch pride to be progressive and tolerant why is this so hard to accept? Is it because life is changing and becoming difficult so the society is looking for a scapegoat for their problems?

Teddy, you need to make yourself more aware of the interdependency between the south and the North. My remarks on the Global village means the whole globe. By the way it might surprise you that some people living in morocco are living better lives with better facilities/housing etc. than you can get here! I have never been to Morocco but i know this for a fact.

Suzanne Ong posted: 2008-10-03 16:54:47

Hello, <br /> This is the editor here, and I'd like to thank everyone for your questions and comments.<br /> In response to S. Jiwaji and Kamran's comments, I used the word "holiday" to denote a celebration rather than time off from work. I understand it is common for the word to be used both ways.<br /> The word "however" in both paragraphs was used to highlight the dual responses the youth exhibit to their different cultures: continuing Moroccan or Muslim tradition on the one hand (observing Ramadan) while adapting to secular life in the Netherlands (rarely visiting a mosque). <br /> If you are interested in continuing this discussion, I encourage you to join the Forums and follow the "Dutch News"thread.<br />

Michael posted: 2008-11-18 08:31:03

Suzanne, You do not need to defend your comments, nor be afraid of your history. Cherish your country and defend your way of life. It appears that S. Jiwaji and Kamran believe that you and your country must support the needs and desires of those that have more loyalty to their homeland and religious beliefs than to the country that they desire to immigrate to and live in. If they love "their country" so much, than have them return to their country. Muslim tradition has no place in the Western World, and their desire for us to be tolerant of their needs and wishes must be resisted. Because our culture and theirs are mutually exclusive and cannot coexist, Period. Language, Borders, and Culture are what define a nation, and so therefore, we must defend these against those that want us to be afraid of having our children participate in parades and activities that define our culture. Kamran and S. Jiwaji are much less tolerant than you, I guarantee it.

8 reactions to this article

james posted: 2008-09-29 21:30:02

Vote for Geert Wilders.

S Jiwaji posted: 2008-09-30 13:01:55

Dear Sirs,

You stated in your article "the month-long Muslim holiday of Ramadan." Please note that it is not a "holiday." It never was, so it is untrue to say that. Some Muslims may opt to take a few days off work as there are some very spiritual days and nights, but these are few in number. The vast majority work most of the month. It, therefore, is not a holiday, not even in the so called "Islamic Countries." It is instead a month to celebrate the Lords countless praises.

Your article also gives the impression that it is either not possible or not desirable for people in question to attend the weekly “Koran school” as well as integrate into Dutch society. I am sure Dutch society does not prohibit or discourage this neither is it adversely affected by it. It is perfectly possible to do both. I say this because you have used the word “However” in the last sentence.

I hope that this doesn’t come across as an attack on words, however, care needs to be taken in using the correct words as your information is conveyed in words. It was an interesting article.

Best Regards.

Kamran posted: 2008-09-30 13:06:31

"...HOWEVER, they also want their children to become part of Dutch society."

What does ´however´ mean? Can the children not follow a Koran school and still be part of Dutch society? And there is no "month-long Muslim holiday of Ramadan". All Muslims work through the whole month. Using such biased language is not befitting of a forum like Expatica.

Dorothy posted: 2008-09-30 13:55:40

I have been following news and comments on morrocan youths closely. Why is it news or a surprise to anyone that they want to carry on their traditions? that is their identity!! Everyone has a human right to choose their identity. They happen to be fortunate they can have two different identities! Moroccan Dutch or Dutch moroccans whichever way you see it. This should be accepted and given space in this society because this is their human right and in essence who they are. The world is becoming a global village in many ways, therefor i find it to be ignorance to think people will leave their other identities/cultures for the dutch identities/cultures as a superior one or for whatever reason. Good example: Look at Obama boasting about his Kenyan identity/roots in a village without roads, good schools, clean water and electricity!

teddy posted: 2008-10-01 22:36:39

You're right Dorothy, things are so bad here perhaps they would be happier in their own country. Oh and it's only the West that's becoming a global village not the world because living in Morroco etc... is shit. The 1st/2nd generation should go back for a while to remind themselves why they are here they may learn to show a little gratitude, instead of putting knives to bus drivers throats. Oh! that's right, sorry you blame the government for that.

Dorothy posted: 2008-10-02 06:48:33

The carrying of knives is only a symptom. If the rootcause is not addressed, things will only get worse. I comment on this issue because of that. We cannot burry our heads in the sand on this one.

About immigration, the Dutch are the most migrated people in the world Compared to the size of their country! How about all the dutch people away for starters come back to their country too... Many of them think Holland is bad too that is why they left to seek better opportunities, for example to South Africa and all over Africa. Not mentioning the west, Canada, Australia e.t.c.

The fact is, for the 1st/2nd generation moroccans, Morroco is their Country too, and so is Netherlands. I am sure they also have homes there. They are definitely advantaged than many average Dutch citizens who belong to only one country, but that is no good reason to aliniate them. They are within their human rights.

The dutch pride to be progressive and tolerant why is this so hard to accept? Is it because life is changing and becoming difficult so the society is looking for a scapegoat for their problems?

Teddy, you need to make yourself more aware of the interdependency between the south and the North. My remarks on the Global village means the whole globe. By the way it might surprise you that some people living in morocco are living better lives with better facilities/housing etc. than you can get here! I have never been to Morocco but i know this for a fact.

Suzanne Ong posted: 2008-10-03 16:54:47

Hello, <br /> This is the editor here, and I'd like to thank everyone for your questions and comments.<br /> In response to S. Jiwaji and Kamran's comments, I used the word "holiday" to denote a celebration rather than time off from work. I understand it is common for the word to be used both ways.<br /> The word "however" in both paragraphs was used to highlight the dual responses the youth exhibit to their different cultures: continuing Moroccan or Muslim tradition on the one hand (observing Ramadan) while adapting to secular life in the Netherlands (rarely visiting a mosque). <br /> If you are interested in continuing this discussion, I encourage you to join the Forums and follow the "Dutch News"thread.<br />

Michael posted: 2008-11-18 08:31:03

Suzanne, You do not need to defend your comments, nor be afraid of your history. Cherish your country and defend your way of life. It appears that S. Jiwaji and Kamran believe that you and your country must support the needs and desires of those that have more loyalty to their homeland and religious beliefs than to the country that they desire to immigrate to and live in. If they love "their country" so much, than have them return to their country. Muslim tradition has no place in the Western World, and their desire for us to be tolerant of their needs and wishes must be resisted. Because our culture and theirs are mutually exclusive and cannot coexist, Period. Language, Borders, and Culture are what define a nation, and so therefore, we must defend these against those that want us to be afraid of having our children participate in parades and activities that define our culture. Kamran and S. Jiwaji are much less tolerant than you, I guarantee it.

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