CAIRO – People of different faiths rallied in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday to support Muslims against rising sentiments flared by Republican presidential hopefuls.
“We want people to understand that being a Muslim is nothing bad, that we’re part of the community, part of the society,” Johnna Malici told Greenville Online during the rally held on Sunday, January 10.
“We’re a positive force in this society, and we’re also part of this democracy. And we don’t think that any political candidate should write off a group of people, whether it’s Muslims or anybody else.”
The rally was organized by the Islamic Society of Greenville as part of its push for unity and peace.
Many religious groups worked together to organize the event.
Members of different faith groups have also attended the rally including Steve Doughty and Jean Fontaine who stood on N. Main Street, near the Peace Center, to attend the “United Against Demagogues — United for America” rally.
Their signs read “Demagogues use hatred and fear. Leaders inspire vision.”
They confirmed that they attended the rally because they’re concerned about the stereotyping of Muslim people and the “hurtful” rhetoric that has surfaced in the presidential race.
Doughty said Trump has “stepped way over the line” during his campaign.
“It’s bringing out the worst in people, some of what’s being said politically right now,” Doughty said.
“And we think it’s time for people to stand with our Muslim neighbors and also say: ‘This is unfair and it’s damaging.’ It’s damaging to the spirit of our country.”
Muslims make up 1% of America’s 322 million population, according to Pew Research center.
Muslims aged between 18 and 29 make about 44% of the American Muslim population, while people over 65 years make 5% of the Muslim population.
The Islamic Society of Greenville held a rally in front of the Peace Center in Greenville.
Stand Against Hate
At the rally, Malici said she would like to see more presidential candidates take a stronger stand against Trump, citing US Senator Lindsey Graham.
Born in Oklahoma, said she has lived in Greenville and had a very positive experience.
“I haven’t ever had anyone say anything to me, even though, by the way I dress, I’m clearly identifiable as a Muslim,” she said.
“I’ve never had anyone say anything negative. And yet, I feel because of the media coverage, terrorist attacks and, especially recently, the vitriolic rhetoric that is going on, I do feel people are fearful.”
Anti-Muslim sentiments have reached an all-time high after the rise of the so-called Islamic State, formerly known as Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Moreover, the Republican presidential candidates, such as Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson, have added to increasing anti-Muslim sentiments.
Facing growing attacks on Muslims, CAIR has launched a new website, Islamophobia.org, to monitor and challenge the growing anti-Muslim bigotry.
In 2014, CAIR published “Know Your Rights and Responsibilities” pocket guide that tells American Muslims to report any actual knowledge of criminal activity without being asked by law enforcement authorities.