Fifteen years ago on September 11, our country experienced the shock waves of an unprecedented event. Our sense of security was shaken. Many looked for people to blame. Muslims were scapegoated and Islam was labeled as a religion of hate. Negativity and suspicion were pervasive and Muslims suffered pain and indignities.
But there were also positive responses. Many people looked for ways to bring people together; to know and to learn from one another.
The Daughters of Abraham Women's Interfaith Book Group was created out of the events of September 11, 2001 by and for women of the three Abrahamic religions. Daughters has grown from one small founding group in Cambridge, Massachusetts to over forty chapters across the country. The women of Daughters of Abraham have learned about one another's religions (and their own), and have come to know one another as members of a unique community of friends.
For the past many months we have all listened to an unprecedented rhetoric of xenophobia, racism and misogyny. Muslims, immigrants, women and others are hurting. Scapegoating, negativity and hate fill the air we breathe. Anti-semitic acts are increasing. Again, we are shaken.
We are a community. When one member hurts we all hurt. When bigotry rears its ugly head we must stand together
and support one another. We also need to reach out to the larger community around
us.
When we look at history we can see that out of the darkest moments light, and indeed enlightenment, can emerge. Let us redouble our efforts to reach out to and support all who are affected by this hate-filled rhetoric - Muslims, Jews, women, LBGTQ people, and immigrants. Only in this way can we continue to uphold the values upon which this country was founded.
