My letter is regarding the verbal assault aspect.
In the United States, there exists a well-oiled $40 million hate machine, set up with the task of slandering and spreading bigoted views of all Muslims. The ultimate goal is to dehumanize us.
Of all peoples, the Jewish people have certainly experienced the effects of a propaganda campaign aimed at singling them out based on their religion. The Nazi regime was able to exterminate millions of Jews and other minorities without any resistance. We have all learned the consequences of not speaking up.
When 9-11 happened many in America questioned the loyalty of Muslims here in America. “Where are the moderate Muslims?” some asked. “Why don’t they speak up in condemning the perpetrators of 9-11?” others questioned.
We did and we continue to call out the radicals in our midst.
In the past few months, radicals in the Jewish community have launch an advertising campaign in bus and metro stops in San Francisco, New York City, and now Washington, D.C., calling Muslims “savages” while in the same breath urging passersby to “support Israel.” Yes, they have a right to advertise their hate under free speech laws, but it is morally abhorrent.
As a people who have been persecuted for centuries, I believe you hold the moral compass to redirect this hatred. Recently, Jewish organizations have spoken out against this blatant racism. Some of them include: The Dialogue Project, a coalition called Jews Against Islamophobia, Anti-defamation League, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding and Rabbis for Human Rights.
I have been waiting to see if your institution would speak up or issue a statement against this obvious intolerance. After all this is what your mission is about.
Your silence has been painfully loud and I am deeply disappointed by your inaction.
At what point will you be morally compelled to speak up? Maybe you need to replace the word “Muslim” with “Jew” in order to remind you of our horrific outcomes that stem from such a climate of division and hate.
I would still like to believe that your fight against racism and intolerance is for all humankind. Not just one particular group. I urge you to take the opportunity to voice your opposition to this hate. I am sure that many peace-loving citizens who value the pluralistic fabric of our country and world are waiting.
Peace, Salaam, Shalom,
By Ani Zonneveld, Aslan Media Columnist
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