*Written by: Sabre*
Islamic individuals living in Western Society finds themselves face to face with a growing problem of anti-Muslim rhetoric and behavior. Recently, Muslim Human Rights activist, Rana Abdelhamid, an Egyptian-American has launched self defense workshops aimed at educating women to protect themselves in a world of rising tensions.
Members of the group are quick to point out recent news events of mosque desecration’s, Muslim people being targeted beaten in public events or being pushed in front of trains. Going on to point out that as a Muslim women “You stand out. It’s not fair, but it’s the reality. And you have to equip yourself to be able to face that.” The programs founder warns the hijab worn by the female Muslim community make them a target and that”you can be attacked at any time”
Since the November 11th 2001 terror attacks on the World Trade Center, anti-Muslim bias crimes are five times higher than experienced before the attacks. Since this time CAIR or The Council on American-Islamic Relationships has said that Muslim hate crimes have nearly tripled. Since the Paris attacks last November nearly 80% of all these crimes having been committed against Muslim women. Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/18/us/politics/crimes-against-muslim-americans-and-mosques-rise-sharply.html?em_pos=large&emc=edit_nn_20151218&nl=morning-briefing&nlid=72575994
CAIR Spokesman Ibrahim Hooper explains, “There really is a need for Muslim women to protect themselves in this society.” He works directly with the women’s initiative for self empowerment to connect in promoting this message. Right now the self defense program has picked up and trained 20 members and looks to expand upon the movement in the near future.
W.I.S.E | Women Initiative for Self-Empowerment: http://www.wise-woman.org/
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