For Airlines & Their Passengers: A Call for Compassion & Empathy

Unfortunately, this story is not new. Two Muslim men were kicked off an Alaska Airlines flight. Their crime? Texting in Arabic.

Last winter, while texting before takeoff, these men apparently incited fear and a terrorist alert when a fellow passenger alerted the crew to this perceived threat. While safety must remain at the forefront for all, it is high time the systems, processes, and human condition that abides be scrutinized, dismantled, and created with true diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront.

Texting while brown. Not, in fact, illegal. Texting in a language other than English. Also, not illegal. Yet, none of the articles and news briefs about this latest incident reminded us of this. Repeated, irresponsible actions as a result of ongoing ignorance, fear, and even hate, disrespect our fellow humans while violating their rights and freedoms. Have we learned nothing over the last 20-years since 9/11? Or over the last 400-years of systemic and structural racism? Or nearly 175-years since the women’s suffrage movement?

Why is basic human decency so hard to achieve? In part, it is because ignorance, fear and intolerance are embedded human characteristics. Implicit bias is hidden or unconscious and expressed automatically, generally without awareness. In fact, Cheryl Staats of the Kirwan Institute at The Ohio State University explains, “Many studies have indicated that implicit biases affect individuals’ attitudes and actions, thus creating real-world implications, even though individuals may not even be aware that those biases exist within themselves” (State of the Science: Implicit Bias Review, 2013). Whether those who sound the alarm are aware of their biases or the consequences of their actions doesn’t change the damaging outcomes for the accused. Fear and ignorance compromises morals and values, compassion and empathy, understanding and acceptance — the very qualities needed to prevent incidents like this one on Alaska Airlines and far too many others, on airlines and elsewhere.

Last year, just as I had settled into my seat for an Alaska Airlines red-eye flight, an older, white female near my row was struggling to place her carryon in the overhead bin. With no other fellow passengers, especially those still standing, offering her assistance, I immediately rose to help. We ended up seated in the same row. As we both settled into our seats, she thanked me for my help. We began chatting and before long, she was telling me all about her recent church group trip to Jordan and Israel, proudly showing me her photos. When I asked about her experiences in the Muslim majority country of Jordan, and without knowing my faith, she shared that Muslims are to kill or convert non-Muslims in order to go to heaven after they die.

Though jarred by her comments, and not expecting them from a person who had just returned from Jordan, I did not sound any alarms. Instead, I felt the need to continue our conversation and perhaps help her get beyond her ignorance and prejudice. As we got to know each other, I gently and jokingly said, “You are sitting next to a Muslim, how do you feel?” After a beat of silence, we both started laughing. She clearly did not sound any alarms either. Before long, we were no longer strangers and instead saw one another as human first; human beings with more in common than we would’ve ever known if we hadn’t started talking. In fact, she realized that we hold much in common in faith as well.

As we approached our destination, she thanked me for our conversation and asked me about visiting a local mosque. She told me she was interested in reading the Quran and hoped to learn more about Islam and Muslims. Neither of us allowed bias, fear, or ignorance to overpower us, causing chaos or worse. Instead, a small act of kindness, followed by calm, friendly conversation, and a genuine desire to learn allowed each of us to open up, sharing parts of ourselves and our stories with the other.

While we live in a time of tremendous misinformation, lies, and stereotypes, it’s far too easy to react out of fear. However, it is our collective responsibility to act with empathy and understanding first. Just think what might have happened if the concerned passenger actually tried engaging with his fellow seatmates. A simple hello and friendly dialogue can help break the ice, calm nerves, and provide courage to inquire about a language or alphabet unfamiliar to yourself, opening up a learning opportunity. We can avoid unnecessary pain, harassment, trauma, costly investigations, or potential injury if we allow ourselves to make genuine connections with others, especially those seemingly unlike us. Perhaps, if this is too much to start, how about asking how you’d feel if you were one of the Muslim passengers innocently texting one moment, being thrown off the plane the next.

For the inevitable witnesses – what can we do to help avoid escalation? We too, need to act with empathy and understanding, both for the victims and the victimizers. Let us not assume the worst of either party. Instead, we can offer comfort and support. This will become easier to extend if we all commit to listening, learning, and sharing. Finding ways to connect with our fellow passengers, neighbors, and community members will build bridges among us all, dismantling ignorance, fear, and hate one heart, and one mind at a time.

~ Rais Bhuiyan, Founder & President, World Without Hate

Reflections on My 19th Rebirthday

On this day, nineteen years ago, I began what would be my last day of work as a store clerk in South East Dallas. Rescuers at Ground Zero continued searching for survivors. The country was in deep mourning, as newfound fears and uncertainty loomed. But, what had not yet been widely known, was that people like me, quickly began paying the ultimate price for the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Around noon that day, a man wearing a bandana, baseball cap, and sunglasses, carrying a double barrel shot gun walked in. Pointing the gun directly at my face, he asked, “Where are you from?” Before I could utter anything more than “Excuse me?” he pulled the trigger from point blank range.

On this International Day of Peace, my RE-Birthday, I count my blessings for the second chance I was given. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not fully aware of how close I came to death at the hands of hate.

Though not visible to most, I still carry countless scars from that day. Despite all that I lost and endured, I remained here in America, rebuilding my life in the very place that tore it apart. Kind, empathetic Americans from incredibly diverse backgrounds helped me begin to recover. THIS was the country I had learned so much about as a child. This is also why I am extraordinarily proud to be an American, my adopted home for over twenty years.

Today, I see too many of my fellow Americans allowing ignorance and fear to fuel hatred and even violence toward those considered unlike them. Tragically, this is the very same ideology of my attacker for much of his life. In addition to killing two and nearly taking my life, he ultimately paid the ultimate price – having been executed for his crimes.

On this United Nations’ International Day of Peace, hate crime in America is at a 16-year high. We are more divided than ever, with too many ready and willing to hurt others. It is time for us to recommit to being the great country we truly are – respecting our fellow human beings as they are. Taking the time to get to know others, especially someone you consider unlike you, brings great gifts. My attacker hated me when he didn’t know me, but in the end, said he loved me. Once you get to know the other, it’s hard for you to hate them.

In the end, we all have much in common – what you want for yourself and your family, are the same things that the people you think you don’t like want for themselves and their families – love, respect, peace, happiness, opportunity. Life will truly be more peaceful for us all if we commit to treating people as humans first – with compassion and empathy, understanding and acceptance, and to teach our future generations to do the same.

~ Rais Bhuiyan, Founder & President, World Without Hate

19-years Later, Reflections on September 11

September 11th, 2001 happened to be my day off. Every Tuesday I could sleep a little longer. As I began making breakfast, I turned on the news and saw one of the twin towers get hit by a plane. I assumed it was a trailer for a movie, but when I saw the second tower hit, my initial thoughts vanished, and I knew something terrible was happening in New York, my first home in my adopted country. Like everyone, I was shocked, horrified, and then paralyzed by fear. 

Immediately, everything changed. Traditionally friendly customers, at the gas station I worked at, became angry and looked at me with suspicion. No matter where I was, I no longer felt safe. I knew my life in America would never be the same. In fact, I dreamed about what would inevitably happen to me, three times, before I was actually gunned down.

On September 21st, the self-proclaimed True American on a revenge shooting spree, burst into the convenience store, shot me from point blank range, and left me for dead on the cold concrete floor. Though I survived, inexplicable damage remains. There is not a single day I am not reminded of, or impacted by, this painful tragedy and must constantly work to make peace with my pain. Still, I am extraordinarily proud to be an American. It is why, after my shooting, I chose to remain, rebuilding my life in the very place that tore it apart.

Like most Americans, each September 11th brings a rush of emotions. I reflect on how much our country lost that day; the thousands of innocent lives shockingly, and suddenly taken; and how quickly fellow comrades rushed in to aid victims. That most horrific day brought out the best in our fellow community members. 9/11 is indeed a catastrophically tragic day in American history, but it was also a time of extraordinary unity, solidarity, and coming together. Did anyone hesitate because of skin color before running into the burning towers to help others escape? Did anyone pause to ask another about their religion, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background before scooping them into their arms and carrying them further to safety? Did anyone hesitate to donate generously, give blood, or volunteer to comfort strangers?

And yet, 19-years later, that tremendous unity, strong patriotism, and historic fellowship is overshadowed by immense intolerance, fear, mistrust, and hate. In fact, hate crime has reached a 16-year high. Far too many are acting as if we are at war, ready to take the lives of those we do not understand or agree with.  We are fighting against each other rather than working together for justice, equity, and peace for all. Do we truly want to live and raise our children in such an intolerant and hate filled country? 

Today, like you, I live in a free country, but I often wonder, are we all truly free? The only place I feel safe in America is after passing security at the airport. This is not who we are; this is not our America. Our America is great because there is nothing we can’t fix or achieve; it’s the country where change is possible; it’s the country where an immigrant like me could fulfill his dreams after being shot in the face and hitting rock bottom. Americans are capable of extraordinary grace and compassion when they open their hearts to others, as many did for me in the months and years after my attack.

I am here today, in part, because of the man who tried to end my life. When I was able to see him as a human being, and not just a killer, and connected to him with forgiveness and empathy, he embraced me as his brother. It was one of his final requests, asking me to continue the human rights work I had started, helping others get beyond hate and prevent violence.

Where might we start to disrupt cycles of hate and violence? How can we begin to see others, especially those we think are different from us, as human first? A first step towards peace, understanding, and acceptance is teaching ourselves, and each other, empathy. We can then begin to respect others more equally, as human beings, regardless of differences. We certainly don’t have to like everyone we meet, but we can, and must, respect others as we want to be respected.

On this 19th anniversary of 9/11, I urge us to recall the strength in unity and patriotism shared during that day of sheer terror, chaos and unknown. We can indeed come back together, stronger and united as one nation, just as we have demonstrated before.

~ Rais Bhuiyan, a post 9/11 hate crime survivor is the founder of World Without Hate, an international speaker, & the subject of The True American, Murder & Mercy in Texas.

Upon Stroman’s Execution: “Hate has to stop. We are all in this world together.”

“One second of hate can cause a lifetime of pain.” Lying in the middle of a concrete chamber, tied to a gurney, moments away from death, these were the last few words spoken by my attacker. This month marks the 9th anniversary of Mark Stroman’s execution. 

Mark came to realize this painful truth only after he killed two and nearly took my life as well. He said that while physically behind bars, he found mental freedom, getting beyond the fear, ignorance, and hatred that led him to murder. As he learned, and had a change of heart, Mark wanted nothing more than to transmit his messages to others like him. Far too many in the free world were locked up in a prison inside themselves because of the hate they carried in their hearts. He warned, “killing another human being is not something you can forget…please don’t stereotype people. Please don’t become a Mark Stroman.” 

Yet, hate remains on the rise. According to the F.B.I., hate crime violence has hit a 16-year high. Physical assaults make up 61% of the total incidents recorded. We must also keep in mind, more than half of all hate crime victims never report to authorities in the first place.  

I suppose, then, it’s not surprising that I see the reflections of Mark’s pain everywhere. The evidence is in our news feeds every day — in the routine killing of black people; in the rampant shootings in our schools, churches, synagogues, mosques, movie theaters and music festivals; in the swastikas painted on synagogue walls and the burning of mosques; in the devaluation and objectification of women; in the turning away of poor, tired refugees and immigrants; and in the violent attacks  of peaceful protestors in our city streets. 

What can we do to minimize this pain? It’s time we step back to reflect and explore the answers to these types of questions:

·         Am I causing pain and suffering to others, even unintentionally?

·         Are any of my words or actions disrespectful, bullying, or hateful in any way?

·         Do I discriminate against anyone or any group of people? 

·         Does my fear, ignorance, or intolerance cause harm to others?

If the answer is YES, we need to ask ourselves – How and why? Am I unconsciously buying into stereotypes, misconceptions or irresponsibly reported stories from the media, internet or social media? Do I associate with others who are prejudice, racist or hateful? Do I actively speak up to family and friends who perpetuate dangerous falsehoods? What am I doing to try to learn and unlearn generations of historic myths and harm?

Become part of the movement to help build a world without hate. Help us create the world we want to leave for our next generations. How can you contribute to ending hate and violence, one heart and one mind, at a time? Please don’t hesitate to share your stories, thoughts, and ideas with us.

Though Mark suffered from tremendous childhood abuse and trauma, a lack of love, education & guidance, he ended his life in peace. Mark received love, kindness, and mercy from friends all over the world and people he once hated, renewing his faith in Jesus, and in humanity. Unfortunately, Mark’s awakening came too late and the state of Texas did not deem his life worthy of living. But, he asked me to carry-on with and for him. He did not want others to face his same fate. He did not want other lives to be destroyed or lost because of senseless hate and violence. Looking within ourselves, to be better people than we were yesterday, is one very large step toward building a safer, more equitable, and peaceful society for all. Join me, join us at World Without Hate, so we can realize that world.

Rest in Peace, Mark. I hope people in the free world will continue to learn from you and avoid the path that leads to a lifetime of pain.  

~ Rais Bhuiyan, Founder, World Without Hate

An Open Letter: A Christian Against Islamophobia

Dear Mr. Lynch,

I’m writing today, as a retired Intelligence Officer and current interfaith/intercultural advocate, to challenge your statement that “Islam is a domestic enemy of America.”  I will not address the sourcing of your social media post, other than to note that it appears (from open source) that individual’s knowledge of Islam may be self-taught.  In addition, perhaps you are not aware that a well-funded anti-Muslim propaganda machine spends hundreds of millions of dollars fanning the flames of Islamophobia.  Regardless, I offer below a different point of view, based on my extensive counterterrorism expertise, my formal study of Islam, and my personal interaction – as a Christian – with Muslims. 

 During my Intelligence career, spanning almost
32 years, I do not recall a single instance when Islam was ever identified as
“the enemy” – this includes the years after 9/11 until I retired in December
2014, during which I worked with counterparts in the Middle East, Europe,
Africa, and South East Asia to identify, penetrate, and disrupt terrorist
networks.  Of note, for decades of my
career, I worked
shoulder-to-shoulder with counterparts around the globe of different faiths and
cultural backgrounds, pursuing enemies of mutual concern.  Many of my professional successes –
particularly those accomplished with international partners – were not in spite
of our differences but BECAUSE of them.  Given this, I was stunned at
the level of fear and hatred of “the other”, especially Muslims, that I
encountered when my husband and I retired to Greenville, South Carolina.  It quickly became apparent that these
attitudes were a result of ignorance.  Having lived, worked, and
vacationed in Muslim-majority countries for years, I began drawing on my
personal experiences to dispel dangerous myths about Islam voiced within the
community, and I accepted a position in an
Upstate nonprofit, actively engaged in building bridges between people of
different faiths and cultures.

 As I transitioned from public service to work
in the interfaith/intercultural arena, I attended classes at a local university
and studied Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. 
I was amazed to learn how much these religions have in common, not only
with each other but also with Christianity. 
During this period, I also read an English translation of the Qur’an,
cover to cover, so that I could see for myself what the  Muslims’ holy book ACTUALLY says – paying
close attention to the verses often referenced by terrorists and anti-Muslim
hate groups.  (In case you are wondering,
I do read and speak Arabic well enough to know that the English version of the
Qur’an mirrors the original text.)  Pouring
through the pages of the Qur’an, I was fascinated to learn that Muslims and
Christians believe in the same God and that the Qur’an parallels many of the
same stories in the Bible.  More
important, I realized that terrorists and anti-Muslim hate groups have hijacked
and distorted verses in the Qur’an to fit their evil agendas. 

As I
dipped my toe into the waters of the interfaith arena, a colleague suggested
that I read a compelling historical account of
a Muslim world leader, well-known during the 19th century as one who demonstrated
through his actions – to  include risking
his life to save thousands of Christians – the power of unifying people of
different faiths to combat evil, so that peace could prevail.  In Commander of the Faithful/ The Life
& Times of Emir Abd el-Kader
, author John W. Kiser tells the gripping
story of this Algerian leader, who won not only the trust, respect, and
admiration of the men under his command and tribes in the region but also of
Europeans who originally feared him and his family, because of stories they had
heard of atrocities committed by Arabs and Muslims.  European hearts and minds were changed, and
stereotypes about Arabs and Islam were destroyed through PERSONAL INTERACTION
and INTERFAITH DIALOGUE.

This
leads me to my final point.  Without
question, the best “sourcing” of information I can offer you about Islam is
drawn from my personal interaction with Muslims.  As noted above, my husband and I (both
Christians) spent a considerable amount of time living, working, and
vacationing in Muslim-majority countries. 
We look back fondly on the warmth and generosity extended to us by
Muslims in far away places, as they shared with us their rich traditions and
cultures, as well as the peace of Islam.  As we settled into retirement in the Upstate,
we sought out the Muslim community and, as expected, the welcome we received
rivaled the legendary “Southern hospitality.” 
During our four years in Greenville, we attended a number of events
hosted by the Islamic Society (open house outreach events, picnics,
fundraisers, cultural celebrations, Iftar dinners during Ramadan, etc.), and
each time we left inspired by the impressive efforts of these Muslim brothers
and sisters to make the Upstate, our country, and the world a better a better
place. 

No
doubt COVID-19 has put a halt to many of the interfaith efforts in the
Upstate.  As South Carolina reopens, I
encourage you to attend events hosted by the Islamic Society of Greenville, as
a way to meet your Muslim neighbors; perhaps start by attending an outreach
event at the mosque in Taylors.  In addition to seeing
for yourself how much you have in common with these fellow-Americans, you will
learn that their religion is NOT based on violence or oppression but rather
peace and surrender to God’s will.  My
husband and I not only attended this informative gathering at the mosque ourselves,
but we also returned a number of times, bringing friends with us – some of whom
had never knowingly spoken to a Muslim before. 
It was exciting to see views of Islam change.  If I were still in Greenville, I would offer
to accompany you to any of the interfaith events in the area.  My husband and I left the Upstate in 2018, to
live closer to our daughters.  I remain
in touch with my fellow interfaith/intercultural advocates in South Carolina, however,
so I have no doubt that I can find someone to answer any questions you might
have about Islam or to provide you with information about upcoming interfaith
programs. 

I
close by sharing a story about Islamophobia that illustrates both the danger
posed by ignorance and the power of knowledge in ending hate.  History has proven that ignorance breeds fear
that can lead to hate; left unchecked, that hate can result in violence.  A dear friend of mine found himself on the
receiving end of this deadly escalation of ignorance to violence almost 19
years ago.  Days after the 9/11 terrorist
attacks, Mark Stroman – a white supremacist calling himself “the Arab Slayer” –
walked into the convenience store where Rais Bhuiyan
was working.  Stroman was on a shooting spree
and, from close range, he shot Rais (mistaken as an Arab) in the face. 

Rais,
the sole survivor of Stroman’s hate, not only forgave his would be killer, but he
also fought to prevent his execution.  Drawing
on his Islamic faith, Rais launched an inspiring campaign to save  Stroman’s
life, exhausting all possibilities.  Although
Rais’ efforts failed, before Stroman was executed, he learned about his
victim’s tireless efforts to spare his life. 
During a phone call with Rais, shortly before his execution, Stroman told
Rias, “I love you, bro.  I mean it.”   Among Stroman’s
last recorded words were the following: “Hate is going on in this world, and it has to stop.
One second of hate will cause a lifetime of pain.”(
http://www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/death/US/stroman1262.htm

I’m
proud to serve on the board of World Without Hate, the nonprofit that Rais and
his wife Jessica established in their ongoing quest to break the cycle of hate
and violence through respectful dialogue. 
My passion for their work and my respect for our Muslim brothers and
sisters in Greenville drove me to speak out against the dangerous Islamophobic
message posted on your Facebook campaign page. 

Respectfully, Marisa W. Barthel

Note: Mark Lynch was running for State Senate, District 12, in South Carolina.

Ahmaud Arbrey: A Victim of America’s Brutal Racism, Intolerance and Hate

It took me several days to finally bring myself to watch the footage of Ahmaud Arbery’s murder. The images keep replaying in my mind.

Did he feel a cold rush through his spine once he realized these men were pursuing him?

Did his mind race with fear and strategy and confusion… Why is this truck following me? What should I do? Should I keep running?

Did he know he was moments away from dying?

As he was lying on the road, blood pouring from his body, was he begging his God for life?

I’ll never forget the image of Ahmaud Arbery. His lifeless body now placed into the carousel of my mind, with too many other black and brown lives gunned down by hate.

It never escapes me that I am fortunate enough to be here today. I survived the brutal hate of white supremacy. I know what it feels like to be sought out based on the color of your skin. I will never forget seeing myself on the edge of life and death, the images of my loved ones fading in and out, struggling to stay awake, fighting to stay alive. I continue to carry the scars of hate – physically, mentally, and emotionally. While I continue to make peace with my pain, I won’t ever forget what it’s like to be seen as inhuman, unworthy of life, a heartbeat meant for extinction.

I will never understand how seemingly easy it is for people like Ahmaud’s killers to take a human life, but also how acceptable it is in our country. Though I grew up in Bangladesh, I learned about American history, culture and its topnotch educational system. While I was familiar with America’s tangled, racist, violent beginnings, I couldn’t truly understand the magnitude of hate on marginalized communities until I migrated here. I am extraordinarily proud to be an American and there is so much I love about this great country. It is why, after being shot in the face from point blank range, I remained here, rebuilding my life in the very place that tore it apart. And so, it is as a hate crime survivor and an American, that I keep Ahmaud (and all those before and after him) in the forefront of my mind, trying to give them voice through my own.

In addition to sharing my story, advocating for human rights, and speaking out against hate and violence, it is imperative for me and for all of us to keep learning about our country, its history and its people. How can we save black and brown lives from senseless hate, violence, and death if we don’t commit to fully understanding the root cause? How can we create change if we don’t rectify our past first? We must try to imagine ourselves in Ahmaud’s shoes, but we must also deeply reflect upon the slave origins of our country too. Picture yourself for a moment – innocent and free and then captured, beaten, shackled, and shipped across the ocean to a foreign land, forced into hard labor – that is, if you even survived. Abolishing slavery seems so righteous, but if America had truly freed our black brothers and sisters, wouldn’t more of them be able take a leisurely jog in a quiet suburban town without losing their life on the middle of the street?

We cannot change the past. But we have the power to shape our future. Those who are guilty of this tragic, barbaric murder must be brought to justice. As a nation, we must collectively demand action – not for a few days or a week – but until equality and justice has prevailed for all. Even then, we cannot stop talking about Ahmaud or victims like him. We must stop thinking that we have the luxury of moving on. Ahmaud’s family doesn’t have such privilege. I can’t simply stop the nightmares or wish away the bullet fragments embedded in my skull. Instead of forgetting, it is high time for us to be brutally honest with ourselves. America suffers from its racist, intolerant, and hateful past; a history that continues to take the lives of innocent, unarmed black men, but WE have the power to repair it.

With empathy, and our sincerest intentions, we have the power to eradicate racism, intolerance, hate, and violence from our communities, and truly move forward as one, united and peaceful nation. It’ll be far from easy and it won’t be swift. But, if we fail to finally rise up and protect the sanctity of life, how can we possibly call ourselves the land of the brave and the home of the free.

~ Rais Bhuiyan, Founder, World Without Hate

We Really Are More Alike Than Different

Imagine a world without hate…a world where people seek opportunities to understand and empathize with those they believe are different than them…a world where people focus on similarities not differences… 

Growing up in the Bible Belt, I was surrounded by people who fostered an “us versus them” rather than inclusive attitude. Racially charged jokes were not uncommon, interracial dating and marriage were viewed as a violation of God’s law, and those who worshiped differently than our Baptist church (Jews, Muslims, Catholics, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, to name a few) were deemed sinners who would not fare well on Judgement Day. 

Shortly after moving North to attend a large public university, it was clear to me that I was more like “them” than the “us” of my youth. My closest friends in college included students from many ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. I was intrigued by our differences and free – for the first time in my life – to challenge the racism and bigotry that I saw. (As a kid in my family, questioning an adult’s belief was often seen as “being sassy” and disrespectful.) 

For the next three decades, I worked shoulder-to-shoulder with counterparts around the globe of different faiths and cultural backgrounds. Many of my professional successes – particularly those accomplished with international partners – were not in spite of our differences but BECAUSE of them. Given this, I was stunned at the level of fear and hatred of “the other”, especially Muslims, that I encountered when I retired. It quickly became apparent that these attitudes were a result of ignorance. Having lived, worked, and vacationed in Muslim-majority countries during my career, I began drawing on my personal experiences to dispel dangerous myths about Islam voiced within my community, and I accepted a position in a nonprofit, actively engaged in building bridges between people of different faiths and cultures. 

It was during this time that I met Rais and Jessica Bhuiyan, of World Without Hate. I was not only inspired by Rais’ story of forgiveness but also his passion to break the cycle of hate and violence. Many will recall the “Arab” shootings in Texas, days after 9/11. Rais, mistaken as an Arab, is a survivor of that hate-filled violence. Remarkably, he not only forgave the man who shot him; he fought to save his life. Rais and his wife Jessica have dedicated their lives to teaching others the importance of forgiveness, compassion, empathy, understanding, and acceptance. With hate crimes on the rise, their mission is more important today than ever before. 

Giving to World Without Hate will allow this nonprofit to partner with community level advocates and anti-hate organizations across the USA to tackle the roots of hate, by creating human encounters that foster respectful, honest conversations. Remember, ignorance breeds fear that can lead to hate; left unchecked, hate can lead to violence.

Marisa Barthel, World Without Hate Board Member  

https://mygivingstory.givingtuesday.org/fbcontests/profiletab/MyGivingStory2019/3280762

Reflections on My 18th Rebirthday

Today, on International Peace Day, I am also commemorating my Rebirthday. Eighteen years ago, I faced extreme evil, and my life in America changed forever. I vowed not to define myself by that act of horror, but to respond by making a difference and helping others. 

Though not in Manhattan or Washington D.C., I am a victim, and a survivor of the terror that reigned down upon our country on Sep 11, 2001. My attacker, who shot me in the face and killed two others, blamed me and my kind for 9/11, and said America was no place for Muslims,… until he learned about the international campaign I was leading to try and save his life from Texas death row. He hated me when he didn’t know me, but in the end called me, brother; and said he loved me before he was executed. His last words were “Hate has to stop. Hate causes a life time of pain.” Today, I see the reflection of his pain everywhere. 

It is time for us all to admit where we are heading as a country, and as the human race. Hate crimes, gun violence, anti-immigrant rhetoric…extremism of all kinds are on the rise. Though we vowed, “never again” long ago, it appears we haven’t learned anything from history. The war on terror has caused and produced more terror, providing excuses for far too many to label people we don’t know as a threat, making it easy to persecute, suppress, and treat fellow humans as lesser than. We spend billions searching for life in space, but lives on earth continue being destroyed by unnecessary, unjust wars, violence, hunger, and disease. When millions of people dream of having access to clean water, or a roof over their head, desperate to live life with dignity, we spend even more in the arms trade and on new technology to control and kill.

All mothers hope to see their children flourish in a safe, loving and kind world. What can we do to save humanity and restore the world? Building peace is the answer. Peace begins within each of us, in our hearts & minds, at home first. We need to teach our children, and remind one another, to respect everyone equally, as human first, regardless of our differences. You may not like me or become my friend, but you can respect me as you want to be respected. No one is born to hate or to be violent. People are either taught to hate or go through challenges in their lives desensitizing them to others’ right to life, liberty, freedom, and happiness. That’s why we must teach our children kindness, compassion, empathy, and forgiveness before they are exposed to racism, intolerance, hate and violence. 

The lessons I’ve learned from my traumatic experience, and the painful journey I’ve taken, moved me from a place of pain on the deepest level, to a place of peace and hope for a kinder, just, and more accepting world. There is not a single day that goes by that I am not reminded of and impacted by my brutal attack, but I continue to make peace with my pain.  

Today, as a human rights advocate, peace activist, non-profit leader, and motivational speaker, I have the opportunity to try and combat the hate and violence that has plagued our country, our world for far too long. I founded the organization, World Without Hate, with the hope we might all build bridges among one another, as opposed to walls; that through our powerful human attributes of forgiveness, empathy, and acceptance, we can begin to see how much more we have in common than that which seems to divide us.

On this international day of Peace, and my 18th rebirthday, I urge you to join me, pledging to proactively denounce ignorance, intolerance, and hate, treating all people equally, as humans first, regardless of our visible or invisible diversity. Let’s change the world by changing stereotypes and divisive rhetoric, channeling our actions through empathy, understanding, and acceptance. Let’s create the world we all deserve, a world without violence, a world without victims and a world without hate for all. 

~ Rais Bhuiyan, Founder & President, World Without Hate

Surviving 9/11: Reflections from our Executive Director

Today marks 18 years. September 11, 2001. I will never forget. But, have we begun to forget as a country? As the years roll on, are we pausing less to remember the day terror reigned down on us? Are we allowing the impact of that day to slip away? A new study suggests that Americans move on from mass shootings after just three weeks. This is 18 years.

At the moment I’m feeling numbness. These last few anniversaries I’ve begun to feel farther away, somehow more disconnected. Perhaps because I have created a 3,000-mile barrier between Manhattan and myself. I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps, like my husband has said speaking of his own 9/11 terror, that at some point it feels like your telling someone else’s story.

I’ve always been quick to point out that I was fortunate beyond measure on that incredibly beautiful, sunny New York day. And I truly, truly was. But it doesn’t mean that I have been ok. It doesn’t mean that I don’t STILL suffer from the post-traumatic stress of living and studying in the city during 9/11.

Every anniversary, if I sit still long enough, I can hear the short, chaotic breaths I was gasping, taking me back to third avenue as I ran north with thousands and thousands of others. Not a single taxi, bus, or moving car to be seen. Though the beating of my heart has quieted some, I still catch myself, immediately and unconsciously turning towards the sky when a jet engine seems all too close. I remember the smell. And the ash as it began to collect on my apartment’s windowsill.

September 11th took thousands of lives, robbed families of loved ones, and irreversibly changed more lives than anyone will ever truly know. I never really admitted, or wanted to admit, that fateful September day changed my life forever. I most certainly never thought someday, I’d marry a man whose life was not only nearly taken because of 9/11, but devastatingly, not truly ever recognized or supported as such.

Today, Rais and I have dedicated our entire lives trying to do our part to make a positive, peaceful difference for others. At home, I also strive to bring him peace, safety, and love as well. Just as so much of history has done before, our country’s 9/11 story is selective about who we remember and commemorate. I would certainly not eliminate a soul from the list, simply add other innocent human casualties to our roster. Too many suffered hate in the immediate aftermath of the terror attacks. To this day, so many more continue to be persecuted, harmed, and even killed because of the horrendous terror we experienced on this day, eighteen years ago.

Rais and I are working today, a day of service with thousands of others in the Dallas area. I will also take time to quiet my mind, and my heart, as I try to do each and every September 11th, sending love, light, and hope to all of those who lost their lives, lost their loved ones, have succumbed to illness, or are still battling, as the brave first responders and rescuers they were. I also remember the most touching, awe inspiring ways in which we, Americans and human beings, came together – even in the literal crushing of towers, utter chaos, and debris filled streets. We cared for one another mere minutes, hours, days, weeks, and all these years later.

I urge us all to Never Forget. I plead that we care for one another like we did that day. On this eighteenth anniversary, and always, take a few moments to remember how infinitely precious life is. Recall all those who so senselessly lost their lives. Reflect deeply on the compassion, care, and love shown so instinctively and powerfully by so many of our fellow Americans. And I would also urge you to think deeply about those victims, like my husband, who paid (and continue to pay) so dearly for someone else’s crime. Let’s not only recognize these victims of hate and violence, but embrace them on this day of remembrance, and always.

-Jessica C. Bhuiyan, Executive Director, World Without Hate

White Supremacy in America: Lessons From My Attacker

This
past week marked the 8th anniversary of my attacker’s execution. Ironically
perhaps, this past week we witnessed the Commander in Chief’s vitriolic racist
attacks of fellow elected officials garnering security concerns for the lives
he has put at risk. I often tell others that I work to make peace with my pain
every day, but unimaginable days like we continue to see from the President of
the United States makes it exceedingly difficult, to say the least.

Speaking with students at Glastonbury High School. Photo: Hartford Courant, Glastonbury, CT, 2012
Photo Credit: MARK MIRKO | mmirko@courant.com

Before pulling the trigger, my attacker asked, “Where are you from?” My brown skin not welcomed in his “white” America. Though narrowly escaping with my life, I still carry more than three dozen bullet fragments in my face and skull and am blind in one eye, these just the physical reminders of America’s racism and intolerance towards me and “my kind” immediately following 9/11.

Devastatingly,
it seems I’m not welcomed in Trump’s America either. And while he puts elected
officials’ lives in danger, he also puts mine, and so many others like me, in jeopardy
too. In addition to my sight, my attacker took from me my sense of safety and
security. Nearly nineteen years since my shooting and still, the only place I
truly feel safe in America is past the security checkpoint at the airport.
Trump’s hate speech and white supremacist ideology is dangerous. Dangerous for
millions of minorities who proudly call themselves Americans. Dangerous for the
security of our country. Dangerous for the future of our country. Dangerous for
our ideals and all that our country was built upon. Dangerous, alas, for me.

The
stark difference between my attacker, Mark Stroman, and President Trump is that
Mark transformed. Unfortunately, it was on death row that he felt free, loved,
and respected as a human being. My assailant realized how wrong he was,
especially when he had others around him to support his learning and growth.
Before his execution, Mark said he loved me, thanked me for campaigning to try
and save his life, and called me “brother.” I will always be sorry that for Mark
it took killing two people, nearly taking my life, and ending up on death row
before he was able to know forgiveness, compassion, and empathy and to give it
in return.

This tragedy took a great deal from me, but it also paved the way for my life’s purpose and the organization I created, World Without Hate, as a result. Before his life ended, Mark Stroman’s last words were, “Hate is going on everywhere and it has to stop. Hate causes a lifetime of pain.” I’ve dedicated my life to disrupting hate. Today, I implore President Trump to stop the hate, and the danger he is inciting, and instead unite us all as human beings first. Before it’s too late.

~ Rais Bhuiyan, International speaker & Founder of World Without Hate.