A couple of months ago in the face of statements that had already been made by many in the political arena that sought to stir up and focus hostility toward our Muslim brothers and sisters, the Silicon Valley Interreligious Council (SiVIC) joined with several other local and national organizations to speak out against the rhetoric and in favor of the values of our common humanity: mutual respect, understanding, and compassion.
Since
then, things have only gotten worse. Too many are prepared to foster suspicion
and fear not only against Syrian refugees fleeing death and destruction in
their own lands, but against our neighbors, friends, and co-citizens here in
the United States. Those who foster fear and suspicion are placing the blame on
an entire segment of our own people for the actions of a few violent
individuals claiming religious justification for their attacks.
We are
distressed to hear how our Muslim friends and neighbors are living in fear, and
even more distressed to hear of harassment, abuse, and attacks that have
actually taken place. We stand together with them and join them in condemning
those who would hijack Islam for their own purposes.
Violent
individuals may use scripture or religion to shore up their hostility and to
attempt to undergird their legitimacy and authority. These strategies have
persuasive power because they touch on and manipulate deep psychological issues
of authority, communal identity, relationships, and attitudes towards those
named as “outsiders.” These very same potentially violent dynamics underlie
current campaign rhetoric, as they provide a way for candidates to manipulate
the truth in their efforts to win an election.
We are
still nearly a year away from the election, and there is no reason to
anticipate that the rhetoric of suspicion and fear will go away any time soon.
We commit ourselves to upholding the human rights and freedom of all members of
our society. We commit to continuing to reach out to those of different
religious traditions and of no religious tradition. Our coming together is not
something new, but an ever-growing and emphatic affirmation of who we are as a
people.
Here in
Silicon Valley we know that what makes for a great America is not division,
suspicion, fear or demonizing of others. We are great because we stand
together—people of diverse cultures, languages, traditions, and religions who
work together to make the world better for all of us. Together we seek to build
a more just and compassionate society.
NOTE: Two opportunities to join our Muslim communities this week:
Wednesday, December 16, 2015, 6:30 pm: Stand Together in
Solidarity
Muslim Community Association, 3003 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara
Join the
Muslim Community Association, South Bay Islamic Association, Evergreen Islamic
Center, Blossom Valley Muslim Community Center and many Bay Area Mosques for a
solidarity event with the Victims' families of the San Bernardino
Shooting. Sponsored by Bay Area Mosques Coalition.
Saturday, December 19, 2015, 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Eid Festival
(Celebration of Muslim Holidays)
First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto
A special
opportunity to learn how Muslims celebrate their holidays. Three panelists from
Islam, Christianity and Judaism will share how they celebrate their holidays,
followed by Q & A and table sharing to encourage dialog and to learn about
each other’s holiday traditions. Sponsored by American Muslim Voice.
Details
on the SiVIC
Events Calendar