Brooklyn, NY - The Muslim student who came to the aid of several young Jewish adults physically assaulted in an anti-Semitic attack while riding the New York City Q train during Chanukah, now battles Muslim ambivalence. Some in the Muslim community are unsure if his actions are consistent with Islam.
According to the president of the Queens-based Tri-State Muslim, there is some ambivalence about it."There are some in our community who are not too sure that what Hassan did was really Islamic," said Salaudeen Nausrudeen.
Nausrudeen said that several people who attended a Dec. 21 event in Queens, "made clear that they did not agree with Hassan's brave act.
One Arab man said to Askari: "I applaud your courage in doing what you did. But I myself would never save a Jew." But Askari said he responded, "I will help anyone in need, no matter what his religion. At the end of the day, we are all human beings and that is what matters." Askari added: "It is sad to see that some people are so short-sighted.
Nausrudeen said, If more people have a chance to hear his message, it will help to change their way of thinking. [jewishweek]