The ISIS led terrorist attacks in Beirut, Baghdad, and Paris over the same twenty-four hour period last week leave me with deep feelings of sadness for the individuals who lost their lives and worry about those whose lives yet hang in the balance. Here at home, I am concerned that members of our Muslim community may become misguided targets for suspicion and retribution.
While none of us here is directly to blame for the terrible events unfolding in France, Lebanon and Iraq, how we respond to these events as they play out will define us as a community. Each of us needs to be thoughtful about how we choose to respond.
I urge you to keep the many victims of the attacks in Beirut, Baghdad and Paris in your thoughts and spiritual observances while reaching out to one another in support. Engage one another in conversation, console one another, and reach out to our Muslim brothers and sisters. Together, as one community, we will navigate through these difficult times.
In Peace,
Avelino Mills-Novoa
Interim President
Minneapolis Community and Technical College