"It takes a lot of courage to go out of your way and see someone who is different and see in them a human that you want to console and show support for. That is incredibly admirable."
Source/Credit: KATU 2 News
By Catherine Van | November 18, 2016
PORTLAND, Ore. — The FBI says 2015 saw the highest spike in hate crimes against Muslims since 9/11, and local Muslims feel the impact. While many feel uneasy in this political climate, they are overwhelmed by the messages of love.
With one anonymous note taped to a mosque in Southwest Portland, the uncertainty of the future is lifted for Harris Zafar.
"That gives me some hope that by far and large, the American population is OK. So they're looking at each other with a desire to learn," he said.
The note said: "I will fight for you!" And it was signed, "Your Neighbor."
Zafar says the recent backlash against Muslims across the country is alarming, but he's overwhelmed by the support from the kindness of strangers. This not was one of dozens of gentle gestures.
"It takes a lot of courage to go out of your way and see someone who is different and see in them a human that you want to console and show support for. That is incredibly admirable."
Another note given to a Muslim teacher in Georgia expressed a different tone. The note reads, "Your head scarf isn't allowed anymore. Why don't you tie it around your neck and hang yourself with it off your neck instead of your head. Signed, "America."
In a recent FBI study, crimes against Muslims have risen 67 percent from 2014 to 2015. The tensions only rose after the election. Zafar says the only way to get ahead of the problem is education, showing the world what it means to be a Muslim.
"We have deep roots in American society, so we're trying to find a way to bridge the gap and bring people to some sort of dialogue," he said.
He is creating an educational program called Coffee, Cake and True Islam. It's free for the public to join. He hopes to launch it by the first week of December.
The Portland Police Bureau has created a 50-member Muslim Council that volunteers to help address concerns problems the Muslim community may have. They meet with different Muslim communities in the area every other month.
Read original post here: Local Muslim community overwhelmed by messages of support
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