The Arab-American Family Support Center (AAFSC) is devastated by the killing of three people at the Islamic Center of San Diego yesterday. Families, including children, were present during the attack according to news reports. Amin Abdullah, the father of eight children, was one of those who was tragically killed while protecting members of his community. Places of worship should be safe spaces for communities to gather to pray, reflect, and connect peacefully.
The killing is being investigated as a hate crime against the Muslim community according to reports. We are currently experiencing a resurgent and shameful wave of anti-Muslim hate. The fear in the Muslim community we serve is palpable. This tragic event sends another overwhelming surge of fear through Muslims across the United States.
As we have stated, we must stop the normalization of hate by holding people who use hateful rhetoric to account, supporting community-based organizations (including Muslim-serving ones) who are there for those affected by acts of hate, and making available programs that promote relief and healing for victims. We also need to guide the next generation toward a vision of a future for themselves and their families that is rooted in hope and possibility.
AAFSC was founded by Arab Americans and is open to all. We are rooted in the Arabic tradition of musharakah, which loosely translates as participation. It’s the idea that by lifting our communities, we lift ourselves. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in San Diego and mourn those who lost their lives needlessly. We urge communities across the country to be there for those who need help – and practice musharakah.