We all are familiar with Islamic groups (prominent ones of which
shall remain nameless) that only pretend to be dedicated to
constructive action in these United states, and of course it is
no mere coincidence that the terms "jihadist" and "terrorist" are
virtually synonymous, with millions of Muslims worldwide in the
thrall of virulently and often violently anti-Western,
anti-Christian, doctrines that actually celebrate the wanton
murder of those they see as infidels. We all know that the
existence of that strain of Islam is an incontrovertible fact.
Meanwhile, as an avid supporter of the state of Israel, I myself
am not in the least bit sympathetic to those peoples, mostly
Islamic, who refuse to accept Israel's right to exist and who
rain rockets and terror onto Israeli lands and people.
For the second time in the past month, though, I am moved to
remind people that not all Muslims feel and act this way. Some,
like Salam al-Maryati of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, who
was one of about nine people on a visit to Guantanamo that I made
in 2007, are patriotic Americans. Salam had an
excellent essay the other day at the Huffington Post. I don't
agree with every word or every sentiment, certainly, but the
overall tone is admirable, obviously heartfelt, and constructive.
Do read it. Here's an excerpt:
"America is our home, and it is our country to defend. It is in
our hands to define who we are....Unless we clearly
define who we are to the rest of America, the pre-existing vacuum
will be filled with the only image available to the public: a
Muslim American member of the U.S. military gunning down other
soldiers on American soil...The loss was our loss. Those
Americans who were killed at Fort Hood dedicated their lives to
defend our democracy." And this: "We have only one option
available to deal with ideologically motivated violence: the
Islamic theology of life must overcome the cult of death."
Voices like Salam's need to be heard more loudly and more
regularly. They are welcomed, and should be made to feel welcome.
And they surely are far more numerous than we ordinarily may
recognize. Whatever political differences we may (or may not)
have with Salam, we should tip our hat to him for such an essay.
May peace be with us all.
