Temple Israel, West Bloomfield, Michigan
I feel compelled to discuss a recent active shooter incident in West Bloomfield, Michigan at Temple Israel even through my grief. Hamdulillah, thank God that the synagogue was prepared along with law enforcement for these horrific attacks saving the lives of those inside. I wish that they didn’t have to be.
I have known and loved Jewish people my entire life. When I became a Muslim just before the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, I worked in neighboring Farmington Hills for the most amazing man who happened to be Jewish and we had many Jewish clients, including those of Temple Israel. While disagreements arose as in any community, they supported, comforted, respected and understood my situation as only a persecuted people could. Many were holocaust survivors and their descendants. They understood our plight and that not everyone supported the actions of others within our community.
Just as in Israel itself, not all Jewish people support the genocide of the Palestinian people. The current war crimes against the Palestinian people lay squarely at the feet of Benjamin Netanyahu and those who support him in this endeavor, including our own President, Donald J Trump.
May Allah protect those who are unjustly persecuted, whoever they are and wherever they reside.
May Allah guide and protect us so that those who commit the horrific genocides and war crimes throughout the world are held to account for their crimes against humanity.
May Allah help us to recover and learn from these atrocities and build a better world for all of humanity, not just those who hold temporary power and control over others.
May Allah bless, protect and comfort those of Temple Israel during the lifetime shock and grief that comes with these horrific attacks.
Shalom, my family. Shalom. You are forever in my heart and prayers.
Darcy Mohamed
