Why is the history of religious war still haunting France?
AF: I think, bitter memories still exist and leave a strong imprint. Actually, there has never been any problem with people who wear headscarf in practical life. We have to remember that up to 1991, the ban of wearing headscarf was also applicable in Indonesian public school. But I think a new problem appears in France because of the tensions resulted by international events influencing the interfaith relation in France. ULIL: Like the 11th September tragedy? AF: Yes, 11th September tragedy and Palestine-Israel conflict. We have a large Jewish community, because France is a country providing protection to oppressed people including Jews. So we have Jews driven out from Egypt in the late 1950’s who then come into France. We have a plural society and therefore, the events occurring outside of France like 11 September and Palestine-Israel conflict are expected to become issues at school. For example, recently, a Jewish high school has been burnt in France. Currently there is an interfaith
