Latifa Ibn Ziaten facts for kids
Latifa Ibn Ziaten is a brave French-Moroccan activist. She was born in Tétouan, Morocco, on January 1, 1960. She is known for her important work to prevent violence and promote peace. Her son, Imad ibn Ziaten, was sadly killed in 2012. This tragic event led her to become a strong voice for peace and understanding.
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Latifa's Early Life
Latifa Ibn Ziaten is a practicing Muslim. She moved to France in 1977 when she was 17 years old. She joined her husband, Ahmed, who worked for the SNCF train company. Latifa has five children: four boys and one girl.
Her son, Imad Ibn Ziaten, was a sergeant in the French army. He was killed on March 11, 2012, in Toulouse. This was a very sad day for Latifa and her family. Before her activism, Latifa worked at the Museum of Fine Arts of Rouen. She was a supervisor and receptionist there.
Starting an Association for Peace
After her son's death, Latifa visited the neighborhood where the person who killed him lived. She talked to some teenagers there. She was surprised when they said the killer was a "hero." This made her realize that some young people needed help.
Latifa decided to act. In April 2012, she created the Imad ibn Ziaten youth association for peace. The goal of her association is to help young people in tough areas. It also works to promote understanding between different religions. The famous actor Jamel Debbouze supports her association.
Awards and Recognition
Latifa's hard work has been recognized by many people. In February 2014, her association received an award. This award was given by the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France. The French Interior Minister, Manuel Valls, was there to support her.
The Ministry of Education also supports her work. They give her association a grant every year. In January 2015, Latifa was invited to a special event in Paris. She lit a candle with President François Hollande. This was to honor victims of a terrible attack.
On November 19, 2015, Latifa received another important award. She was given the Prize for Prevention Conflict by the Fondation Chirac. President Hollande was also present at this event. This award recognized her efforts to encourage peace and understanding between different groups. In 2016, she received the International Women of Courage Award. This award honors women who show great bravery.
Latifa's Book
Latifa Ibn Ziaten has also written a book. It is called Mort pour la France: Mohamed Merah a tué mon fils. The book shares her story and her journey. It explains how she turned her pain into a mission for peace.
Awards and Honors
- Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur (from 14 July 2015)
- 2015 recipient of Fondation Chirac price for conflict prevention
- International Women of Courage Award
See also
- Toulouse and Montauban shootings