On the Royal House of Ghassan Combating Islamophobia
MEMORANDUM
To: Interested Parties
From: Office of HRH Prince Gharios El Chemor, Royal House of Ghassan
Date: March 12, 2025
Subject: Efforts of HRH Prince Gharios El Chemor and the Royal House of Ghassan to Combat Islamophobia
I. Introduction This memorandum provides an overview of the efforts undertaken by HRH Prince Gharios El Chemor and the Royal House of Ghassan to combat Islamophobia through interfaith dialogue, educational initiatives, diplomatic advocacy, and humanitarian efforts. As an entity holding Special Consultative Status with the United Nations (ECOSOC), the House of Ghassan has actively engaged in initiatives promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Christian, Muslim, and other faith communities.
II. Interfaith Dialogue and Cultural Exchange HRH Prince Gharios El Chemor has engaged in multiple high-profile initiatives to promote interfaith dialogue:
1. United Nations Engagement – In March 2024, Prince Gharios participated in an Arab cultural event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, emphasizing the importance of religious and cultural exchange. This engagement was instrumental in addressing Western misconceptions about Arab Christians and the broader Middle Eastern religious landscape. o Source: Royal Blog
2. Recognition of Muslim Leaders – The Royal House of Ghassan has publicly recognized and collaborated with Muslim scholars and religious leaders who promote peace, tolerance, and counter-extremism efforts.
3. Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advocacy – Prince Gharios has served as a keynote speaker at international interfaith conferences, advocating for harmonious religious coexistence and policy initiatives that reduce discrimination against religious minorities.
III. Educational Initiatives and Public Advocacy The House of Ghassan has launched educational campaigns to combat misinformation and Islamophobia, including:
1. Book Publication – “Middle East: The Secret History” – Authored by Prince Gharios, this publication provides a historical analysis of the Middle East to dispel misconceptions and promote an accurate understanding of Arab identity, religious diversity, and the role of Christians and Muslims in the region. o Source: Academia.edu
2. Diplomatic Engagement – In October 2024, Prince Gharios presented his book to Dr. Robert Řehák, Ambassador and Special Envoy for Holocaust, Interfaith Dialogue, and Freedom of Religion (Czech Republic). Discussions focused on religious tolerance and combating Islamophobia through policy reforms. o Source: Instagram
3. University and Public Lectures – Prince Gharios has been invited to speak at universities, think tanks, and international media outlets to educate the public and policymakers on the importance of religious harmony and interfaith cooperation.
IV. Advocacy for Religious Freedom and Minority Rights As part of its mandate under its UN Special Consultative Status, the House of Ghassan advocates for:
1. Legal Protections for Religious Minorities – The House has lobbied for stronger international human rights protections for both Christian and Muslim minority communities facing discrimination.
2. Policy Recommendations to Global Leaders – The House has issued formal policy recommendations to UN bodies and diplomatic missions on addressing systemic Islamophobia, religious discrimination, and promoting freedom of worship.
3. Support for Interfaith Legislation – Prince Gharios has been involved in legal discussions with international lawmakers regarding the implementation of religious freedom protections and counter-discrimination policies.
V. Humanitarian and Peacebuilding Initiatives The Royal House of Ghassan has actively engaged in humanitarian efforts that benefit both Muslim and Christian communities, including:
1. Humanitarian Aid to Conflict Zones – The House has coordinated and funded humanitarian aid efforts in the Middle East, ensuring assistance reaches vulnerable Christian and Muslim communities alike.
2. Participation in World Interfaith Harmony Week – The House supports the World Interfaith Harmony Week, a UN-backed initiative aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue and combatting religious intolerance. o Source: World Interfaith Harmony Week
3. Community-Based Peacebuilding Efforts – The House has worked directly with local religious and civic leaders to promote grassroots interfaith cooperation and counterradicalization programs.
VI. Conclusion The efforts of HRH Prince Gharios El Chemor and the Royal House of Ghassan demonstrate a multi-faceted approach to combating Islamophobia, leveraging diplomatic engagement, education, advocacy, and humanitarian action. Through these initiatives, the House promotes mutual understanding, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among diverse faith communities.
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For further inquiries or policy discussions, interested parties may contact the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan, Inc.
The Revd Dr Christian D Boyd, FRAS, FRSA Grand Chancellor / Chief Administrative Officer