WILSHIRE : Lecture to Explore Anti-Muslim Feelings
Anti-Muslim sentiment that often follows in the wake of terrorist acts will be addressed today at First Unitarian Church.
Salam Al-Marayati, director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, will discuss the prejudice that caused rumors of a “Middle Eastern connection” to endure even after authorities discovered that the suspects in the April 19 bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City were not linked to Muslim extremists.
As a result, Al-Marayati said in an interview, Middle Eastern immigrants in Los Angeles and throughout the country were victims of physical and verbal harassment, intimidation and discrimination. He said this happens every time there is an act of terrorism here or abroad.
“Even after it was proven [that Muslims were not responsible], there was talk that there could possibly be an Islamic connection supporting these people,” Al-Marayati said.
Al-Marayati will also discuss the growing involvement of Muslims in the struggle for civil rights and how American Muslim groups are working to ease racial tension by promoting a better understanding of Islam.
“Mormons and Jews have had to go through this,” he said. “Islam is the new challenge for American pluralism.”
The discussion begins at 11 a.m. at the church, 2936 W. 8th St.
Information: (310) 453-3645.
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