September 12, 2001

Zainab crawled out of bed quietly to get ready for work. Mohamed could sleep a few more hours. They had been up all night. It felt like the calls, news reports and visits would never end.
People overseas were up throughout the day and night as well. It was beyond horrific and heartbreaking for the entire world. It was strange to be on this side of the calls. It was usually them calling about an attack overseas. Not the other way around.
They fought against wars and atrocities from the safety and prosperity of America. They were never the victims. The hate of America was nothing compared to what the others endured. They were fine. Until they weren’t.
The first hits came the following morning. They knew that they were coming. They had spent the day and night grieving and preparing themselves for battle.
Zainab walked into her office building and got ready for the day. It was relatively quiet. The mood was extremely somber. Ibrahim walked in with his fatherly manners and tried to keep Zainab going as only he could.
They were an unlikely pair but Zainab didn’t care. She loved Ibrahim as if he were her own father. He took a liking to her even before the interview began.
She was divorced before her degree was complete, destitute and saddled with tons of student loan debt. Most accounting firms didn’t consider anyone without a degree no matter their experience or qualifications. He took a chance on her when others wouldn’t. That meant everything to her.
Rose stopped by to talk to Ibrahim about her businesses and finances. When she walked into a room, she commanded it. She gave all appearances of being a JAP or Jewish American Princess.
The various American Princesses are seen as derogatory terms for spoiled, selfish women. The women themselves are a variety and many will surprise you. Many are actually American Queens who use their powers for good. Zainab found Rose to be more Queen than Princess but even Queens have a few thorns. She adored her regardless.
Rose dressed spectacularly and was never a wall flower. Zainab heard her signature, “Hello, dearie,” before she even finished entering the office. Zainab would’ve said hello but Ibrahim was already there to greet her.
Hello, Rose.
Oh, Ibrahim, can you believe this? You expect this in Israel but not here. It’s just unbelievable. Sorry, Tina.
Yes, Rose. How can we help you today?
The pair went off into his office to discuss matters as Zainab smiled at her exuberance. She called everyone dearie. When you knew as many people as Rose, it was understandable. For her to remember Zainab’s name was impressive. She was indeed correct in calling Zainab Tina.
Zainab was born Tina Marie Stein, a Caucasian female from a Christian family. Her name has a very undignified meaning in Hassaniya, her husband’s native tongue so she was Zainab to those who understood Hassaniya.
She had also secretly converted to Islam and was studying for the day when she felt confident enough to tell the world that she was a Muslima. Those closest to her, including Ibrahim knew. She hid nothing. Everyone worried for her. Now, it was so much worse.
Heather was a woman who lived in Dearborn where many Arabs and Muslims reside. She was much like Zainab’s father so she understood the hate that would come from her lips. It hurt but she was accustomed to it.
She stopped by as Zainab and Ibrahim were finishing their lunches. Ibrahim loved fashion, the theater and gossip, like any good man. He had a subscription to the national gossip rags. The local gossip didn’t need a subscription but they did get the local Jewish paper to keep up on community.
They were discussing Detroit politics. Zainab noted, “Kwame has got style. I will give him that. I just hope that he’s more like Archer than Young. I know that Young did a lot of good but it felt like he was holding the city back from a bright future. Archer felt like that bright future.”
I liked Archer too. I’ve seen them both speak. I have hope for Kwame. He’s full of youth, exuberance and optimism. He might just get the youth engaged in the city.
I hope so but it’s an uphill battle sometimes.
That’s when Heather walked in and greeted them, “Hi, guys!”
Zainab and Ibrahim responded in unison, “Hi, Heather.”
‘Did you guys see the latest news about the attack?”
Ibrahim looked at Zainab and rolled his eyes making her smile before responding, “What was that, Heather?”
The Arabs were celebrating last night. Yeah. Did you hear?
No, we hadn’t heard, Heather.
They were having a great time celebrating up on rooftops and partying.
Zainab decided to take over at this point, “Where was this, Heather?”
Everywhere. They were all celebrating.
Was this on the news? What countries were celebrating?
Yeah. It’s all over the news. They were all celebrating. Even here.
Did they show videos because I didn’t see anything?
No but it’s true. It’s all over. It’s all that anyone can talk about. It’s disgusting.
I watched international news last night and the local news this morning but didn’t hear anything.
That’s because only Fox News will tell the truth.
So, Fox News didn’t show videos. Local news isn’t reporting it. Yet Arabs here were celebrating?
Yeah. I saw them in Dearborn last night celebrating.
I can’t attest to what you saw. As for me, Mohamed and I were talking to and checking on Arabs and others throughout the area and world last night. Many in Dearborn. Nobody was celebrating.
They were too.
We are all in mourning for this deplorable act against our country and humanity. We are trying to lift up each other’s spirits but the entire world is devastated by what happened. Not one heart is rejoicing.
Heather decided to try a different approach, “Ibrahim, are you buying this?”
Yes, Heather. I am. I trust Tina.
She’s married to one. She’s naturally going to believe them. She isn’t one of us.
Ibrahim rolled his eyes once again for Zainab’s benefit before responding, “I haven’t seen what you described, Heather. I will tell you what I have seen though. I have seen Tina on the phone weeping like the rest of us with family, friends and clients of all backgrounds.
I have seen the Arabs from the restaurant next door greeting their fellow Americans with great grief, sorrow and devastation. It isn’t a show or performance. The same is done by the back door as it is by the front door. It is genuine.”
But you’re a Jew, Ibrahim. How can you defend them?
It’s easy. I go with the truth.
Ibrahim turned to Zainab with a giant grin and winked. She almost choked on her tears of joy when releasing a small chuckle at his love, kindness and defiance.
It was just beginning though. How would Zainab and Ibrahim, a Muslim and a Jew, weather the storm of a world in turmoil? They had no idea but they’d try together with love, respect and the words of their faith.
Shalom.
Salam.
Peace.

Until next time, Ma’salam. With peace.
Men Sadiqatuk, Drsy.
From your friend, Darcy.