Local Muslim community defends their religion after CA shooting

December 4, 2015 5:29 pm

By Alana Cerrone

acerrone@abc6.com

@Alana_Cerrone

The Islamic School of Rhode Island Principal Abdelnasser Hussein addresses members of the Muslim community three days after two shooters identified as Muslims claimed 14 lives in California.

"We are automatically accused…all of us…as terrorists."

Shahzad Yaqoob says again he is left defending his religion.

"If someone’s using the name of Islam on this…it’s just ridiculous."

Community leaders say it’s important now more than ever to bring their children up the right way.

"We need to teach ourselves and our kids not to generalize."

Nafisa Girach says she has not felt targeted as a Muslim here in Rhode Island.

"Friends talk about incidences in supermarkets where people are friendly and they say ‘We understand…’"

But that doesn’t stop her from being vigilant.

"When we get in the car…yeah we lock it straight away…I avoid certain places where I feel unsafe."

At the Islamic School, there haven’t been any reported incidents recently, but there are increased patrols from Rhode Island and West Warwick Police. Faculty makes sure doors are locked and cameras are working, and parents try to remain focused on raising their children.

"With this new scenario it’s become more difficult for the parents…what to tell them, what not to tell them…but at the same time we have to inform them of what’s going on."