November 12, 2006
Wear a Hajib/Turban Day
(Fremont, California) Attention, readers! Tomorrow is "Wear a Hijab/Turban to Work/School Day" in Fremont. Among others, the event is being promoted by the Foundation for Self-Reliance, the American Muslim Alliance and SEMAH, a domestic violence group.
From InsideBayArea.com:
"This is more than just 'wear a hijab or turban' day," said Samina F. Sundas, founder of the Newark-based American Muslim Voice and Global Peace Partners. "It's about educating each other about our differences and recognizing that we should focus on what binds us together."So, although the police haven't identified a motive in the Ansari killing, the Muslim community is taking immediate corrective action against hate crime. Notably, this response is consistent with Muslim reactions to perceived hate crimes in other regions of the globe. In those cases, however, corrective measures are more strident. Instead of 'Wear a Hajib/Turban,' everyone is simply encouraged to don an explosive vest.
The idea for the event originated days after Alia Ansari, a 38-year-old Afghan woman from Fremont, was gunned down Oct. 19 as she walked with her 3-year-old daughter to pick up some of her other children from an elementary school.
Police have yet to declare a motive in the Ansari case, but the perception among some in the community is that the shooting had to be a hate crime because Ansari was wearing a hijab, the traditional Muslim head scarf.
Presumably, the next time a Jew is killed in a suspected hate crime, organizers will promote a "Wear a Star of David/Yarmulka to Work/School Day." Of course, don't expect the media to pleasantly encourage the public to participate.
By Mike Pechar at November 12, 2006 09:05 AM
