Muslim: We are not evil

Toronto Sun ^ | 2002-09-08 | Laura Bobak

[Lorenb420]

Don't use the term "Islamic terrorist" when talking to Mohamed Elmasry.

The head of the Canadian Islamic Congress is tired of Islam being blamed as the cause of terrorism in the Middle East.

Mohamed Elmasry, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Waterloo, said he wished the media would describe the actions of such terrorists as crimes committed by people who use Islam to justify their actions.

Elmasry complained the negative portrayal of Muslims in the media and elsewhere has helped spark some of the 200 incidents of anti-Muslim hate crimes, including death threats, recorded in Canada since Sept. 11. Elmasry said he's received hateful e-mails and voice mails.

"They say, basically, 'we are going to come and kill you bastards. Why don't you go home?' Every other word is an F-word," he said. His 23-year-old son was also harassed at work.

"Someone said: 'Watch this guy, he might have his pilot's licence,' " Elmasry said. "It affects your daily life if your security and your family are compromised."

The Canadian Islamic Congress -- an affiliation of mosques across Canada, representing about 75% of Canadian Muslims, about 650,000 people -- says statistics from police forces in major Canadian cities are lower because many Muslims are afraid to contact authorities.

But Elmasry said even police statistics show there were about 100 recorded hate crimes against Muslims in the nine months after Sept. 11, 2001, an increase of about 66%.

HATE CRIMES ON RISE

The statistics don't reflect hate crimes meant to target Muslims but misdirected toward other ethnic groups like a Hindu temple in Hamilton set on fire four days after Sept. 11.

In March, Toronto police stats showed hate crimes had soared to their highest level in eight years.

On Oct. 20, 2001, Molotov cocktails were thrown into mosques in Mississauga and Burlington. An Ottawa-area Arab boy was beaten by white kids, and a Saudi doctor in Montreal was allegedly spit on and assaulted.

As a result, Muslims have experienced anxiety and loss of self-esteem, especially among young people.

Elmasry said the intimidation had a more subtle effect on some Muslims, who stopped going to the mosque to pray, hoping that would reduce the backlash.

The Jewish community is also more anxious since Sept. 11.

"The Jewish community, because of the Israeli conflict, are hypersensitive to attacks from the Arab world," Ed Morgan, of the Canadian Jewish Congress, said.

"We had barely recovered from the fallout from Sept. 11 when things heated up in the Middle East."

[cardinal4]

You dont like the way you are treated, Elmasry? Quit being a muslim.

[hellinahandcart]

What's with the avalanche of "Pity the poor Muslims!!" articles this week? This is the third one I've read *today*.

Oh right. I forgot. 9/11 is on Wednesday and the commie media wants to be sure we all go into that day feeling guilty and with our "priorities straight".

I wouldn't use any of these papers to catch poop falling from a dog's butt, let alone read them (anywhere except here).

[SouthernFreebird]

Muslim: We are not evil

Yes you are

[pgobrien]

Screw you! Abdul! When I hear Islam condem the terrorists, I'll change my attitude toward you.

[poet]

Ditto that!!

[SpinyNorman]

The head of the Canadian Islamic Congress is tired of Islam being blamed as the cause of terrorism in the Middle East.

Uhhhh, maybe it is because it is true? The wide failure of the Islamic world to condemn this terrorism is approval of it, tacit or direct. I don't see the good professor condemning bin Laden here or anything like it.

[galt-jw]

since WHEN do the evil know their identity? if you want to give your personal power and freedom away to some made up spook, be ready to bear the consequence for your hate.

ps: get off my planet, animals.

[Gorzaloon]

But Elmasry said even police statistics show there were about 100 recorded hate crimes against Muslims in the nine months after Sept. 11, 2001, an increase of about 66%.

It's a start anyway.

So, feeling concerned, just what are the apologists going to do to help restrain the extremists? I have not SEEN anything yet.

One more September 11, and I suspect this fellow will have a LOT to complain about.

And nobody will care.

[ChadGore]

Re: Muslim: We are not evil

History renders this statement false.

[LurkedLongEnough]

Compares to

X42: "I did not have sex with that woman"

[hosepipe]

Mohammad himself was a terrorist, and murderer...
His real followers are just following in his footsteps.
The Muslim peaceniks are just liberals....

[gaspar]

Mohamed: Now you know what a Maronite goes through in Lebanon and Syria, a Copt in Egypt, a Christian in Pakistan, a Kurd in Iraq, the mountain people in Algeria, the Toubou in Libya, the Moor in Morocco. Just keep reminding yourself that Islam is a religion of peace.

[DB]

Well...

Had a Christians perpetrated such an attack on an Islamic country what would have happened to Christians living in that country???

Oh ya, the Christians would already be dead or imprisoned... Anything not Muslim is forbidden in an Islamic country.

So count your blessings that you live where you do live.

And last, had Muslims quickly and loudly denounced those who did what they did on 9-11 in the name of Islam, perhaps this would be a non-issue now. That fact is you didn't. Your silence was heard loud and clear. The few who did speak basically said "it was terrible BUT...". The classic "I'm sorry BUT"... The time has past.

[tomkat]

"They say, basically, 'we are going to come and kill you bastards. Why don't you go home?' Every other word is an F-word," he said. His 23-year-old son was also harassed at work.

---

[JW Brown]

It wasn't a bunch of Baptists that highjacked those planes, killed those sailors on the Cole, blew up the US embassies in Africa, truck bombed the Kobar tower, etc.

It wasn't a group of Catholics dancing in the streets upon hearing of the Towers' collapse. I did have a modicum of pity for the Palestinians. No more.

I wasn't islam's enemy, but through their deeds and words thay have made me so.

[redheadtoo]

The Bible tells us that we are to judge the quality of faith by the works it produces. When Christians gets serious about their faith they build schools, hospitals, orphanges, etc. In other words they go out and do good deeds. When a Muslum gets serious about his faith he joins a terrorist cell and sends teenagers out with suicide bombs strapped to their bodies.

So now, after looking at the difference in Christian and Muslum act of faith, are we now not to judge?

[isthisnickcool]

Islam teaches all should be Islam. If it's not then it must be forced to. Once forced to those that do not convert can be killed or taxed. But the goal is one world and it's all Islam.

Nah! Nothing evil about that. Or running planes with women children and infants into buildings full of innocent people. Some folks forget that their goal was to kill 10's of 1,000's of people.

Nothing evil about strapping bombs to themselves and killing innocent men, women and children. Nope! In the name of Islamic martyrdom.

Hey Mohamed Elmasry! I've got your number. I've read about your "religion" and I've seen what it does to innocents. Go to hell!

[Savage Beast]

"he wished the media would describe the actions of such terrorists as crimes committed by people who use Islam to justify their actions."

Elmasry's point is understandable, but when the world asked, "Would the real Muslims please stand up!" a mixture of terrorists and people who were luke warm, at best, in their denunciation of terrorists and terrorism rose to their feet.

Furthermore, it's hard to believe that the terrorists are not real Muslims when the overt goal of Islam is the establishment, by violent means as necessary, of a world-wide Islamic theocracy with the Koran as the only constitution and the shariah as international law, and anyone who doesn't know what dark-age, barbaric practices these prescribe is an imbecile.

I'm afraid it's Elmasry, and not the media, that is mistaken about Islam, what it means, and just what "god" it serves. He would be wise to convert to a different religion, and if he searches sincerely for the truth, he will.

It sounds as though Elmasry has heard the voice of God and hungers for Him and that he cannot bring himself to face the truth that the "god" of Islam is not God.

And then, of course, if he did face this truth, he would become an apostate and his fellow Muslims would murder him--a further indication of just what the "god" of Islam really is.

[Savage Beast]

Anybody heard of any fatwas issued against bin Laden? Zawahiri? Mullah Omar? The September 11 murderers? Al Qaida? Any terrorists or murderers?

[tomkat]

my prayer, on this beautiful sunday morning in pennsylvania,
is that i am allowed to live long enough to personally
increase the death toll among the jihadi f***s ...

[BeAllYouCanBe]

"As a result, Muslims have experienced anxiety and loss of self-esteem, especially among young people."

This is the real tragedy of 9-11. Young Muslims having a lowering of the all important "SELF ESTEEM FACTOR"! To the lefty media self esteem lowering trumps 2,800 dead people.

I have never seen any story of anyone who was a burn victim and is still in the hospital suffering from their wounds but I know they are out there. Why don't the jerks in the media tell us about the living victims?

[sweetliberty]

"It affects your daily life if your security and your family are compromised."

Doesn't feel very good, does it Mohamed? We don't like it much either. It is good to know that at least you have a feel for what your fellow Muslims have done. Too bad you blame us insteasd of them.

[TLBSHOW]

Islam is the Enemy until Islam surrenders.

[sweetliberty]

"Elmasry said the intimidation had a more subtle effect on some Muslims, who stopped going to the mosque to pray, hoping that would reduce the backlash."

Maybe that's progress. Maybe during their time away they will rethink the "goodness" of their "peaceful" religion. I just can't can't get real worked up over their problems.

[Great Dane]

The head of the Canadian Islamic Congress is tired of Islam being blamed as the cause of terrorism in the Middle East.

Sorry, but these atrocities are being carried out in the name of Islam, and the Islam community is not objecting.

[FITZ]

The head of the Canadian Islamic Congress is tired of Islam being blamed

Maybe he could declare a Fatwa against bin Laden and any supporter of suicide bombers. Or organize a large street protest in support of Western countries and against the Saudi government. Their actions just don't impress so far.

[Great Dane]

Anybody heard of any fatwas issued against bin Laden? Zawahiri? Mullah Omar? The September 11 murderers? Al Qaida? Any terrorists or murderers?

No, but Rushdi's head is still wanted on a silver platter.

[Savage Beast]

Yes, Muslims are quick to issue fatwas, calling for death, against those who "insult Islam" and commit blasphemy and against rape victims. But those Muslims, like Elmasry, who claim that Islam means peace and love never explain why death fatwas are never issued against terrorists, and murders, and Muslims who highjack passenger planes and crash them into skyscrapers and who blow themselves up in crowded market places, committing suicide and murdering many innocent people.

The absence of fatwas against these people speaks volumes.

To commit such evil and claim to do it in the name of God is the ultimate blasphemy and an insult to God. Evidently Elmasry and other "Muslims of good intentions" have not figured this out yet.

[SES1066]

I have trouble trying to be sympathetic about this gentleman's finer feelings when I had just previously read this article about a gloating Muslim conference in London this coming 09/11/02. I'll be waiting for his condemation of this meeting being held in the capital city of the British Commonwealth and funded by Saudi money. When I see this I'll pay more regard to his complaints.

[AmericaUnited]

Corect-a-mundo. Evil is as evil does! And the fruits of Islam are EVIL!

Judeo-Christian cultures have the most properity and freedom. Compare that to the Islamic cultures/countries.

[Hank Rearden]

Perhaps he needs to seek out and move to one of those prosperous, peaceful, democratic-republic Moo countries, where I'm sure he'd be more comfortable.

The trick is to find one.

[Bill Davis FR]

muslims have corrupted islam over the centuries...the koran teaches kill the jews and christians and to lie to them also...

[sheik yerbouty]

He can go pis$ on the proverbial rope!

[Belial]

Islam teaches all should be Islam. If it's not then it must be forced to. Once forced to those that do not convert can be killed or taxed. But the goal is one world and it's all Islam.

The vast majority of Muslims don't believe in violent conversion. Many Christian sects believe that the world needs to be converted to Christ.

This Muslim hating is transparent. Before 9/11 it was the province of a few David Duke wannabees. Now every trailer dweller with an Internet connection wants to rant about the ragheads. Everyone's angry about what happened last September, luckily the people in charge are focusing on the real problem-terrorists.

[VOA]

Now every trailer dweller with an Internet connection wants to rant about the ragheads.

It's not just the province of the uneducated.
I got to see a well-coiffed yuppy fellow catiigate some innocent cashier outside a
grocery store here in swnanky Brentwood (at the corner of Barrington/Wishire).

I came close to intervening, but the verbal attack was ending as I exited the store.

This was probably on Sat. Sept. 15th or Sun. Sept. 16th.

I've not seen/heard a verbal or physical confrontation since here. And I live in/hear
the area loaded with emigres from Iran and the Middle East.

The Muslims in the USA lucked out...to be in a relatively very tolerant country, even when
some other Muslims were attacking the country.
Just about any other country...there would have been blood flowing in the streets.

I am suprised that Muslims are getting a bit of heat in Canada.

[Trickyguy]

I have an idea--if this guy thinks it's so bad in Canada,
how about if the Canadians deport him back to where he
came fron? Followed by all the Muslims in Canada...and the US. Hey, guess what? Problem solved! No more Muslim terrorism in the US. Unless, you course, you can find 19 blue-eyed, blond-haired Muslims to crash planes into buildings.

[Publius6961]

Funny thing is, letters like this just make me laugh.

Muslims are what they do, not how they talk.
The culture is a lying and sneaky culture, no question.

[VOA]

Unless, you course, you can find 19 blue-eyed, blond-haired Muslims to crash planes into buildings.

You've just mentioned my greatest fear.
I remember seeing a photo of some Muslim refugees in the mess in the Balkans...
one of them was a dead ringer for my Nordic-looking sister-in-law from Milwaukee.

My other fear is Muslims from The Phillipines, Malaysia, Indonesia or other
Asian countries becoming active with Al-Quida scale/style plans.

[Publius6961]

The vast majority of Muslims don't believe in violent conversion. Many Christian sects believe that the world needs to be converted to Christ.

Beautiful non-sequitur.
Please direct me to the news report where Christians beheaded anyone recently...

[Trickyguy]

This is why there should be no Muslims in the US. I have no
problems with claiming it is not a religion, not when it violates "Do not murder" as one of its basic tenets. You might as well claim Nazism is a religion. Then toss all of them out.

[PogySailor]

Mohamed Elmasry, meet Sheikh Mohammed

London To Host Islamic 'Celebration' of Sept 11

[isthisnickcool]

This Muslim hating is transparent. Before 9/11 it was the province of a few David Duke wannabees. Now every trailer dweller with an Internet connection wants to rant about the ragheads.

Transparent? Whatcha saying? Someone that's not too happy with Islam is racist? Ala your David Duke comment?

That's Islam hating by the way. But if you can find something to like about Islam please post it. It might change some peoples views.

Trailer dweller? Hardly. Note that it's you calling them ragheads. Classy....

[SpinyNorman]

The vast majority of Muslims don't believe in violent conversion.

Tell it to the poor Christian souls in the Phillipines that are getting burned out of their houses, or the Pakistani Christians getting handgrenaded for their peaceful worship in church.

It is a real big stretch to compare the acts of Christians to that of Muslims, unless of course, you go back 500 to 1000 years.

Once again, the question remains unanswered (by Muslims anyway): where is this peace loving majority? Where is the outcry? All I saw was dancing in the streets and tacit approval of what is being done, and lots of pictures of Osama being worshipped. Maybe at best a distinct apathy, but no disapproval.

[desertcry]

I have a simple question to mr. Elmasry: What did you expect from non muslim Americans, and Canadians after 9.11.
Love, and praises for muslims, and islam? Engineers(even professors) are supposed to be realistic, and down to earth people. I say to mr. Elmasry: quit complaining, condemn and work against islamic terrorists, and you will do much, much better in your adopted country.

[Malsua]

When the head of the Islamic congress condems ALL acts of terror including those from Palistine and elsewhere, I might consider taking his opinion seriously.

If one wants to see how Islam should handle terrorism, one need merely look at the response to the recent attack in Saudi Arabia. If Muslims worldwide would have reacted the same way to 9/11 Al Qaeda would be a footnote in history, Afganistan would still be under Taliban control and we wouldn't have 150,000 troops in Iraq.

-Mal

[Malsua]

>>. I am embarresed to even consider you as fellow humans.<<

I am embarrased that you have enough wealth to have all that America has to give and then disparage America.

Go back to your 3rd world outhouse and live like you think we should.

Zot.

[KC_for_Freedom]

So, feeling concerned, just what are the apologists going to do to help restrain the extremists? I have not SEEN anything yet.

This needs to be taken back to the good professor. "Stand up and issue a statement that condems the actions taken in the name of Islam. Petition the leaders of Islam to turn over those among them who believe Islam is driving them to take violent actions against the innocent. Let them know from the pulpit that only the hotest fires of hell await the people who commit these crimes." I have yet to hear it too, and until then Islam is part of the problem.

[Revolting cat!]

Muslim: We are not evil...

... he is!