More than 1,100 Muslim-Americans from across the state attended a forum yesterday at the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center on ways to cope with discrimination. Governor Deval Patrick promised his support. (Matthew J. Lee/ Globe Staff)
“Yours is a peaceful faith, and I know that, and I know you are worried others know that,’’ Patrick said after several Muslims joined him on the platform at the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center to recount stories of epithets hurled at them on Boston streets and FBI agents visiting their houses.
“I know that people have been afraid and angry, and sometimes that fear and anger is randomly directed at you,’’ he said.
The audience, which comprised Muslims from across the state, including many women who wore hijab head coverings and men who wore kufi caps, frequently interrupted Patrick with cheers and chants of "Allahu Akbar!" . . .