Editorial Reflections

FLLC challenges comments on 'islamophobia'

 

Several local leaders rallied Nov. 25 at Spokane Valley City Hall in support of their Muslim neighbors. Petra Hoy of Eastside Gladiators organized a rally in support of Muslim neighbors. Gen Heywood, convener of Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience (FLLC) and pastor Veradale United church of Christ; Brianna Dilts of Faith Action Network, Maisa Abudayha, co-executive director with Feast World Kitchen and Karen Stromgren of Muslims for Community Action and Support (MCAS) rallied along with many others.

After the rally, the Spokane Valley City Council held its regular session, where the Muslim community and other Spokane community members came to support of their Muslim neighbors.

Muslim community members commented on how they felt related to their safety after the comments made by Councilwoman Jessica Yeager were posted on her social media, saying she was a proud Islamophobe and that Islam has no home in the Spokane Valley. She went on to say that what she said on her personal social media post was free speech, and she stands by it.

Muslim community members who attend the Spokane Valley Islamic Center said they don't feel safe. Naghmana Sherazi, CEO of MCAS and member of FLLC read a statement from FLLC that was signed by 32 Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience, individuals from Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, Ecumenical Catholic, Episcopal, Interfaith, Jewish, Lutheran, Muslim, Sufi, United Church of Christ traditions and community members.

"It has come to our attention that the councilwoman and the Spokane Valley City Council would benefit from education about Islam and possibly other faiths that are different from those held by council members" she read. "The language used by Councilwoman Yaeger is offensive and must be addressed. It shows a great lack in understanding of the Muslim faith and is dangerous for our Muslim neighbors."

The FLLC statement said they ask the council to take this display of bigotry from a public leader and make it an opportunity for the entire city to learn that there are many faiths in the region.

"We call you to work with local faith leaders and faith communities to create opportunities to learn about Spokane Valley's Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Sufi, Wiccan, as well as Christian, Jewish, and Muslim neighbors," Naghmana read. "Make this the start of drawing our community together in respect and building understanding."

Many others who spoke shared similar words in their statements.

"She put an unwarranted target on an already marginalized community's back," said one Muslim community member. "She should not be in public office if she doesn't want to serve the community as a whole."

Other members of the Spokane community spoke.

One person who commented that, for someone to say that Muslims have no home here, is wrong because Muslims work and live in Spokane Valley, and their children attend school in Spokane Valley.

Other individuals called for her to resign, saying she should not be on the council if she is going to put a target on an already marginalized community.

Kawkab Shishani, a professor at the Washington State University School of Nursing and a Muslim, told the councilwoman that her comments place people in danger. They invite hostility and fuels bigotry.

She went on to say, "We do not feel safe when a public official claims that our faith and presence have no place in this city we call home."

Kawkab invited her to coffee, to sit down with her and have a conversation.

Towards the end of the meeting, Hilary Hart, a member of Temple Beth Shalom Jewish community, said that in 2014 she received the same invitation from Kawkab and it changed her life in a positive way.

She said she went from being altogether unfamiliar with Islam to being and advocate, volunteer and a welcome guest of many amazing potlucks she introduced her to where she developed a deep and non-judgmental understanding of Islam.

Hilary recommended without reservation that Councilwoman Yeager consider his offer for coffee.

Karen Stromgren
Guest editorial - MCAS