Protests hit anti-Muslim attack on Wash. mosque

Militant photos by Mary Martin

REDMOND, Wash. — A granite sign in front of the Muslim Association of Puget Sound was vandalized here early Nov. 21. Association librarian Sulieman Abdulkeni, above, shows part of the damaged sign to Socialist Workers Party members who came from Seattle two days later to join in speaking out against the attack.

“The community has turned out to stand up against such attacks in an overwhelming and powerful response,” Muslim Association President Mahmood Khadeer told the Militant Nov. 28. “This is a stand against attacks on anyone whether Muslim, Mexican or anyone else.”

“The Socialist Workers Party stands in solidarity with the Muslim Association of Puget Sound and calls on all working people to protest this and all anti-Muslim attacks,” the SWP said in a statement of solidarity. “We defend the right to worship for all religions and oppose all actions which target and scapegoat Muslim people. An injury to one is an injury to all.”

Several hundred people from local churches and synagogues and others attended an open house here Nov. 25, including some two dozen middle and high school students, members of Kids4Peace. They held a solidarity picket at the mosque with signs saying, “We Stand with our Muslim Neighbors.”

— MARY MARTIN