My family and I stand with innocent Muslims
The threats against the Islamic community are hate crimes and they sicken me. All of us need to be vigilant to protect our Muslim brothers and sisters. As a Christian Episcopalian, I will not stand for Islamophobia and I, and my family, promise to stand with the Muslim community.
If I hear slurs, I will speak up. If I see someone threatened or harassed, I will alert security or call law enforcement. I promise to stay with those being victimized until help arrives or walk them to their cars and escort them to their homes if necessary for their safety.
When I see a woman wearing a hijab, I will make eye contact, smile and say “Assalamu alaikum” (May peace be with you).
I will call my elected officials and ask them to stand with the Islamic community and other people/communities being targeted by hate speech or policies that discriminate against them. I will not sit quietly and let hate grow in my family, neighborhood, city, state or country.
Dante said “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.”
Patsy Montgomery, Fresno
This story was originally published December 3, 2016 at 1:12 PM with the headline "My family and I stand with innocent Muslims."