I am disturbed, saddened and ashamed at the barbaric killing of seven innocent people, including three children, in Toulouse, France, that occurred Tuesday. The individuals killed were at a Jewish school.
Mohamed Merah, the perpetrator, is a legal French citizen of Algerian origin. He has been brainwashed by al-Qaida.
The sad reality is that this killing reflects more how Islam is perceived as a violent religion with anti-Semitic Muslims. We Muslims need to acknowledge that a serious disease of hatred, violence and instant revenge has seeped into many who call themselves Muslims.
There’s no doubt that extremism among a few Muslims is a problem. But it is important to realize that its motives are usually politically based, and religion is wrapped up with it an ugly way.
I cannot neglect to discuss Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, an American army sergeant accused of slaughtering 17 Afghan civilians and admitting to it — an incident that occurred two weeks ago. Yet, Merah was raised in a wholesome household in Washington, according to The New York Times. He was described as a polite neighbor turned down by the French army, according to the Guardian.
We should all pause for serious reflection on these two horrible, shocking incidents.
Both men have serious psychological issues that would not cause normal people to commit such heinous acts. These are disturbed individuals, and we cannot necessarily point the finger at U.S. foreign policy.
Please, let’s not over-generalize about all Muslims being terrorists because both men, of different faiths, committed terrorist acts.
Unfortunately, human beings can be ignorant and easily emotionally aroused beings. It is human nature to hurt those you hate, demonizing individuals one does wrong to — but it is only human nature to forgive and resolve conflict. The latter takes time and effort. Patience takes courage and steadfastness. Do we have these qualities in these tumultuous times?
Nora Zaki
Pre-law political science and Arabic junior
