ST. PAUL, Minn. — On March 15, the international community marks International Day to Combat Islamophobia, which was established after the 2019 Christchurch, New Zealand Mosque attacks in which fifty-one Muslim worshippers were murdered. The US has seen a surge of hate crimes targeting Muslims and people perceived as such, as geopolitical tensions have exacerbated anti-Muslim sentiments. This escalation of Islamophobia in our public discourse is fueled by misinformation, stereotypes, and political rhetoric that demonizes Islam and its followers.
Senator Zaynab Mohamed (DFL-Minneapolis) releases the following statement:
“Today is International Day to Combat Islamophobia. As I observe Ramadan, I join Muslim community around the world in fasting, reflection, and prayers for peace — prayers that are desperately needed today. We’ve seen a rise in Islamophobia and anti-Muslim actions in recent months, actions that threaten the safety and dignity of our Muslim communities and undermine the core principles of our society: Equality, tolerance, acceptance. As an elected leader, I am unwavering in my dedication to defending these ideals and our Minnesotan Muslim communities. And as a Muslim woman, I am called to act in support and defense of all Muslim women, especially those who show our faith with pride by wearing hijab or other markers, as these symbols can make us stand out as targets of bigotry, hatred and violence. Today and every day, I work toward a world every individual, regardless of their faith, can live free from fear and discrimination.”
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Learn more about Sen. Mohamed
