There are three major events which have caused the current rise in Islamophobia across the globe as well as a high alert on terrorism activities: firstly, Hamas’ attack on Israel and vise versa; secondly, the attack on a six-year-old Palestinian boy in the USA and thirdly, the terrorist attack on two Swedes in Brussels. 

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is the most common chant in all of the pro-Palestine demonstrations. Regardless of some governments like that of the UK and France, who have attempted preventing the raising of the Palestinian flag, there have been waves of pro-Palestine protests around the world, sending a surge of thousands and at times, millions, down the streets of their country, raising the Palestinian flags, instilling hope for humanity within themselves, the people around them and the Palestinian people. At least 22 countries have urged Israel to stop bombing the Gaza strip. 

However, such bold actions, whereby the masses are protesting against their government’s decision to continue funding the Israeli occupation and destruction (ethnic cleansing) of the Palestinian people, come with detrimental consequences. As a result, much like the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Muslims and Arabs across America are experiencing yet again, a rise in discrimination due to their support of Palestine. 

Even law enforcement officers are randomly visiting mosques just as they have surveillanced Muslim and Arab communities following the fall of the World Trade Center. While some Palestinian people are also being detained and pro-Palestine protests continue in the USA, there are pro-Israel protests. There is a difference though: while pro-Palestine demonstrators chanted, “Jews, yes. Zionism, no!” one pro-Israel woman yelled, “You are sick people, you are animals, you don’t deserve to be here.” Such incidents caused a high alert on a rise for hate crimes, including a precaution whereby Columbia University is currently shut down to the public. 

Countries all over Europe and America seem to be on high alert for a possible outbreak of hate crimes. I heard on the Swedish radio news, how Sweden is taking preventative measures against hate crimes by opening up forums for Jewish and Muslim youth to sit down and hear each other’s perspectives on the crisis. May Allah free Palestine and help the world rediscover its human emotions against desensitization, Ameen. 

Furthermore, a six-year-old Palestinian American boy, Wadea al-Fayoume, fell fatally victim to a stabbing attack. The murderer was Wadea’s landlord, 71-year-old Joseph M. Czuba, who yelled, “You Muslims must die ” before stabbing him and his mother, 32-year-old Hanaan Shahin, who is currently in critical condition at the hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Czuba was charged and is currently in trial for his hate crime. Meanwhile, Hanaan is expected to survive. The incident between Joseph and Hanaan escalated when they began talking about Hamas and Israel, after which Hanaan suggested to Joseph that the two “pray for peace.” May Wadea be in Jannatul-Firdous right now, Ameen. May Allah give his mother the comfort in knowing that she did everything she could to protect her son and that he is in a better place now, Ameen. 

Two days following the brutal attack of Wadea, Brussels experienced a “terror” attack. Abdesalem Lassoued, a Tunisian claiming to be part of the Islamic State (IS), killed two Swedish nationals before escaping via his scooter. He was later found and shot dead by authorities. Sweden has been on high alert for a possible terrorist attack since August, following the intensified Quran burning incidents.  However, quran burnings have been happening throughout Sweden these past few years, first instated by Danish-Swedish Politician Stram Kurs Paludan. Debates whether or not to consider this “hate speech” or “freedom of speech” continue. May Allah diminish hate in the world and instill love in its place, Ameen. 

Here are the protection verses from the Quran which you should recite before sleeping, before leaving your location to go to the next one, if you feel fear and for your children. Stay alert. Stay safe. Do not let your hope and courage waver. Our duas are with you at these trying times. 

About the Author:

Rumki Chowdhury is Editor of World Hijab Day Organization. Moreover, she is a professional editor and an award-winning published author and poet. She has an MA in English Literature from Queen Mary University of London, a BA in English Writing from William Paterson University of New Jersey and an English Subject Teaching Degree from Gävle Högskolan in Stockholm, Sweden. She speaks Bengali and Swedish fluently! She has years of experience in the media and publishing worlds. Rumki lives with her husband and their three daughters.

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