Below is an article" They hijacked Islam: Panelists discuss impact of attacks, stress education" by Alison Shea published in The Bulletin, September 10, 2011
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Groton, Conn., USA — From the rubble of the World Trade Center rose misunderstandings and defamation toward Muslims, and the best way to change those attitudes is to befriend a Muslim, panelists at the Islamic Center of New London said Saturday.
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/x1590304711/They-hijacked-Islam-Panelists-discuss-impact-of-attacks-stress-education
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Groton, Conn., USA — From the rubble of the World Trade Center rose misunderstandings and defamation toward Muslims, and the best way to change those attitudes is to befriend a Muslim, panelists at the Islamic Center of New London said Saturday.
On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, 10 panelists representing a variety of ages, faiths and experiences discussed the American Muslim perspective on Sept. 11.
The terrorists “hijacked Islam. They shot Islam in the heart. The great religion I grew up with, it’s been hijacked, exposed to misunderstanding, to defaming and to attack,” said Bassam Awwa, president of the Islamic Center of New London.
Panelists said they see evidence of the misunderstandings every day.
“My best friend and business partner was prevented from flying two days ago. At the Providence airport, my wife received a screening so invasive it brought her to tears,” said Suhaib Abu Zainab, of Groton. Since the attacks, people have become vigilant against future attacks, he said, which is helpful, “but it comes at the expense of a people, and that people is us.”
Anyssa Dhaouadi, a student at the Science and Technology Magnet School in New London, said she’s been called a terrorist, and when her class discussed the death of Osama bin Laden, “every time the teacher said ‘Osama,’ all the heads would turn toward me.”
“I try to educate,” she said. “I post videos on Facebook showing the positive side of Islam.”
Education is an important first step, panelists said.
“A lot of the time, when we do not know the unknown, we tend to fear. As soon as we start learning about them, we become comfortable,” Imam Mahmoud Mansour said. “We need to start learning about each other or we will not live a comfortable, harmonious life.”
So, too, is cultivating strong Muslim leaders within the community, and being more open about faith, Mansoor Alam, 18, of Cheshire, said.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as having a Muslim friend,” he said.
Robin Blundon, an interim pastor at a church in East Haddam, brought her two daughters, Grace, 10, and Hope, 8, to the panel.
“I think they enjoyed it. We’ve talked about different cultures, because they were born in China, but I wanted the opportunity to talk with them about different faiths,” she said.
The terrorists “hijacked Islam. They shot Islam in the heart. The great religion I grew up with, it’s been hijacked, exposed to misunderstanding, to defaming and to attack,” said Bassam Awwa, president of the Islamic Center of New London.
Panelists said they see evidence of the misunderstandings every day.
“My best friend and business partner was prevented from flying two days ago. At the Providence airport, my wife received a screening so invasive it brought her to tears,” said Suhaib Abu Zainab, of Groton. Since the attacks, people have become vigilant against future attacks, he said, which is helpful, “but it comes at the expense of a people, and that people is us.”
Anyssa Dhaouadi, a student at the Science and Technology Magnet School in New London, said she’s been called a terrorist, and when her class discussed the death of Osama bin Laden, “every time the teacher said ‘Osama,’ all the heads would turn toward me.”
“I try to educate,” she said. “I post videos on Facebook showing the positive side of Islam.”
Education is an important first step, panelists said.
“A lot of the time, when we do not know the unknown, we tend to fear. As soon as we start learning about them, we become comfortable,” Imam Mahmoud Mansour said. “We need to start learning about each other or we will not live a comfortable, harmonious life.”
So, too, is cultivating strong Muslim leaders within the community, and being more open about faith, Mansoor Alam, 18, of Cheshire, said.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as having a Muslim friend,” he said.
Robin Blundon, an interim pastor at a church in East Haddam, brought her two daughters, Grace, 10, and Hope, 8, to the panel.
“I think they enjoyed it. We’ve talked about different cultures, because they were born in China, but I wanted the opportunity to talk with them about different faiths,” she said.
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