The hope to change religious intolerance

Ali Mirza, right spoke at the Nassau County Executive Building on New Year’s Day to the crowd about the need to educate people on the teachings of Islam.

Steve Smirti/Herald

Zia Qureshi, far left, Talib Sheikh, Soni Dasghair and Atiq Qabari with their lit candles at the rally.

Steve Smirti/Herald

Jaweria Mirza, left, helped Dr. Tamkeen Ahmed light his candle before the ceremony began.

Steve Smirti/Herald

Community members held signs and banners expressing their love for America.

Steve Smirti/Herald

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Religious leaders and political figures assembled on the steps of the Nassau County Executive building in Mineola on Jan. 1 to show support for the victims of terrorism as well as to quell fears and misconceptions about Muslim Americans.

In the wake of the recent attacks in Paris and San Bernadino, Calif., rhetoric has emerged from ordinary citizens as well as presidential candidates that some have called racist. The unrest over the attacks, coupled with the need to educate those with influence, inspired Ali Mirza, a Muslim American from Elmont, to organize a candlelight vigil with people of all faiths on New Year’s Day.

“Muslim Americans, like all Americans, have always stood against extremism, terrorism, and all kinds of injustice,” Mirza said. “Whenever somebody who claims to be Muslim is involved in an act of violence, people expect us to speak out against it, otherwise we get painted with a broad brush that we are all sympathizers.”

Mirza led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and then asked community members to join him at the podium. Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory addressed the crowd and spoke of the importance of acceptance and tolerance in the face of tragedy.

“It’s important that we send the message that we stand as one community,” said Gregory. “Particularly for these young children so that we pass on an America that respects them, that appreciates them, welcomes them and loves them, and we’re doing that today.”

A theme among the speakers was sadness and disappointment that such a rally must be held to combat stereotypes associated with those of Muslim faith. Nassau Interim Finance Committee board member Adam Haber compared the present day bigotry associated with Muslims to that of his Jewish relatives during World War II and stressed the importance of acceptance.

“Whether you’re Jewish, Muslim, or Christian, there are extremists everywhere but together united, we’re a lot stronger than individuals who get scared or who succumb to fear that are irrational,” Haber said. “Intolerance against Muslims is intolerance against all of our communities.”