Beneath my true roots lies a past of inestimable value. Sixty years ago, my grandfather, Mohamed Rakib, and countless other Moroccans, Italians, Poles, etc., answered the call of Belgium, coming to reinforce the workforce in the coal mines and the metallurgical industry.
Their dedication was boundless, sacrificing their lives to offer us a semblance of peace in Belgium. They not only helped to revive the country's economy, but also left an indelible mark on its history.
Being the grandson of immigrants means inheriting a rich cultural heritage and deep values.
Today, I want to highlight them and honor their memory. I invite you to cherish your grandparents and ask them about their story, because it is also yours. Our past shapes us, and in its stories lies the source of our identity.