Here is a letter from a Maryknoll, NY-based MMAFer about a local response to the discrimination and persecution of Arab-Americans resulting from the September 11th terrorism. Perhaps the bold sections can give you ideas for initiatives that can be taken wherever you are.

Not Vengeance But Justice
5 October 2001

Dear MMAF Members and Other Members of the Maryknoll Family,

Last night at the Ossining public library in New York there was a remarkable presentation for peace and dialogue in light of the terrorism of September 11. MMAFers Joe Regotti, Vicki Amour-Hileman and I were present and I wanted to share some highlights with you and offer a special way to be in solidarity with Muslim people who are particularly vulnerable right now in the United States.

Six articulate Muslim men and women (including a sophomore from the Ossining public high school) spoke passionately about how the September 11 tragedy affected each them on a personal level. Shock. Anger. Disgust. And for each of them fear. Fear of what would come next in the world and fear as to how they as Muslim Americans would be treated in the U.S. One presenter stayed inside with his family for a week because they were afraid to go outside. One woman, who has grown up in Ossining since age 9, spoke of fear to go to her mosque, fear to speak Arabic in public. Things she had never experienced before in this country.

They clarified, time after time, that the horendous acts of September 11 were not consistent with the teachings of Islam and the Qur'an .They highlighted the need for Muslims to reclaim the true teaching of Islam. And as they denounced again and again the acts of September 11 they also urged the U.S. people to understand and change certain U.S. foreign policies that foster hate and destruction in certain places around the world.

It was an evening of tears, laughter and hope. When, in fact, are these issues ever talked about? These presenters and the 150 that attended marked something historic--a coming together of cultures and religions to deepen understanding.

As the presenters expressed their fears of becoming targets for hatred and violence in the U.S., one woman from the audience offered a special effort organized to show solidarity.

Women in the U.S. (MMAfers around the world go for it if you want to!) are asked to wear scarves on Monday Oct. 8 in solidarity with Muslim women who wear the hijab.

Head or face covering is a religious practice, not a cultural one, rooted in Islamic teaching about hijab, or modesty. This custom is not universally observed by Muslim women and varies by region and class.

The important thing is that Muslim women who wear the hijab feel supported and safe. Many of us in the U.S. will be covering our heads on Monday. I invite MMAFers around the world to look to dialogue with Muslim peoples in their area.

I want to just mention a few other hopeful signs:

*Interfaith Service, Procession and Rally in NYC on Sunday, Oct. 7. The information reads "Our Grief is Not a Cry for War". A number of MMAFers and other Maryknollers will attend;

*A buddy system to ensure the safety of Muslims in the U.S. has been set up by the Ossining Ministerial Alliance. Folks in Ossining can contact the First Presbyterian Church 941-0540 if you would like to participate. There is also a discussion in Ossining at the St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Islam on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.. For more information contact 941-8005.

The tragic events of September 11 have given us opportunity to learn and dialogue about and about things that most of us have understood too little. The Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns has been posting great information. Also I encourage you to visit the American Friends Service Committee website and their campaign called No More Victims. They provide wonderful background information and action suggestions. Their address is: http://www.afsc.org

Blessings to each of you in this most challenging time.

In solidarity, Jean Walsh

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