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Muslim leaders should indeed answer the calls to work to improve our communities. But to
suggest that the solution lies solely with Muslims is deeply unfair. There are no calls to reform
white Christian communities after mass shootings such as the one allegedly carried out by Robert
Dear at Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs. Of course we must ensure our youth are not
attracted to radicalization and that all members of our community have sufficient mental-health
resources. The same should be said of all religious groups, of any community.
What we, as Americans, need now is solidarity. The physical and political violence perpetrated
against Muslims in this country will only worsen unless we stand together against this fearmongering. No one should be a bystander on a train or at a school as Muslims are assaulted and
our rights questioned. We need others to speak out and stand with us.
I am given hope by my friend from Alabama, the son of a pastor, who called me to say he was
there for me and was scared for me. I am inspired by my classmate from Compton, Calif., who
texted me to ask how we can combat Islamophobia. We need more of these gestures. We need
alliances at the community level, within our government and in the media. If we truly believe in
liberty and freedom, the time has come to defy hateful rhetoric and immediately begin to make
America great again on our own terms.
I dont know how this story ends. Each night I pray that there will be no more attacks in the
name of Islam. I pray that all Americans can come to realize that Muslims are not, by definition,
terrorists. I pray for the day I dont need to pray for these things.