Tragically, Loubna Lafquiri’s life was cut short in the Brussels bombings on March 22, 2016. She became a victim at the Maelbeek metro station. Loubna Lafquiri, a physical education teacher at an Islamic school in Brussels, left behind three young children. She was a beloved mother, wife, and teacher. Her husband, Mohamed El Bachiri, transformed his grief into a powerful message of love and tolerance. He wrote “A Jihad for Love” to honor Loubna Lafquiri and advocate for humanist values. The book, initially a eulogy for Loubna Lafquiri, resonated deeply and became a bestseller. Molenbeek, where Loubna Lafquiri lived, is a neighborhood known for its large Muslim population. After the attacks, Molenbeek gained notoriety as the home base of a terror cell. But amidst this tragedy, the community sought to remember Loubna Lafquiri not as a victim of terror, but as a symbol of love and resilience. The Place du Chant d’Alouette in Molenbeek was renamed Place Loubna Lafquiri. This tribute honors her memory and serves as a reminder of her life. A memorial now stands in the square, featuring a photograph of Loubna Lafquiri and an excerpt from “A Jihad for Love.”
Rue Albert Meurice – Albert Meuricestraat
Serenity Bar a yoga studio sits on Rue Albert Meurice. This quiet street in Etterbeek Brussels holds a peaceful energy.