As the
United States is coming to terms with the San Bernardino massacre by a radicalized Muslim couple earlier this month that killed 14 people, New York’s Muslim communities sought o remind Americans last week that victims of terrorism have been Muslims as well, and thus the war against terrorism is not just limited to the Western world. Members of New York’s
Muslim communities held a vigil in Queens Dec. 19 to remember the victims of terror in the United States and also to mark the anniversary of a massacre in Pakistan a year ago in Pakistan. More than 150 people — most of them children — died when Taliban militants stormed a public school in Peshawar. The vigil in Jackson Heights, Queens, noted that the victims of the attack in Peshawar were Muslims. Evidently, the point that was being sought to be driven home was that victims of
terrorism, even perpetrated by Muslims, were not limited to the Western world and that Muslims too suffer from it.
Ijaz Bokhari, 58, of Northport, one of the organizers, stressed that many innocent Muslims have been killed in terror attacks here and overseas. “This is not a Christian war. This is not a Western war,” he told the hundred people gathered at Diversity Plaza, according to Newsday that reported the event. Attendees and speakers recited prayers and sang “Silent
Night” at the event that concluded with people forming a candlelit circle.
The event was hosted by a Long Island-based group, American Muslims 4 (for) Peace, and SUKHI New York, a nonprofit organization. “This is our war against a common enemy who has hijacked Islam and is trying to further their political gains,” Bokhari was quoted as saying. Raja Ali Ejaz, Pakistan’s consul general in New York urged fellow Muslims to “be responsible citizens and to make America your home.” He noted that America is a beautiful country.
“I haven’t seen any country like the United States of America,” he said. “It embraces everyone.” For Bokhari, who was born in Pakistan, America has been his home since he enrolled at George Washington University in 1982 to pursue an advanced degree in engineering. “We’re proud American Muslims,” he said.
He said people like him are just as American as anybody else. The Peshawar massacre led to changes in Pakistan, including a crackdown on Islamist militants and a new military court to try terror suspects. This month, Pakistan hanged four men linked to the attack
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