A group of interfaith leaders and civic leaders joined Friday prayer at a Bloomington mosque to show solidarity and support following this week’s deadly shooting at San Diego’s Islamic Center.
Imam Sa'ad Palwala from the Islamic Center of McLean County spoke to a large group of congregants who prayed Friday alongside guests from the anti-hate group Not In Our Town, Bloomington’s mayor and police chief, and other visitors. He said hearts were heavy at the mosque but that they were grateful for the support of those who’ve stood by them after what he called a terrorist attack in San Diego. Three victims were fatally shot.
“Hatred does not represent humanity,” said Palwala. “And evil will never erase the goodness that Allah the Almighty has placed in our hearts.”
The shooting is being investigated as a hate crime. Authorities described the two shooting suspects as teenagers who shared a “broad hatred” toward different races and religious groups.
“I don’t know where these kids came up with such motivation to do what they did. But I really feel bad, and feel sad for their parents and families for what they’re going through,” Palwala said. “We all should be one. We have to learn how to build bridges rather than building walls.”
A recent study found an increase in harmful content targeting Muslims across social media platforms, first after the start of the war in Gaza in 2023, and then another uptick after the onset of the U.S. war in Iran in February. Anti-Muslim rhetoric on the right has become louder too, The New York Times reported, with some Republican politicians suggesting Muslims don’t belong here.
“It saddens us. Why is this happening in North America? Where is this violence coming from? What narratives are being taught to our children?” Palwala said. “Imagine ... It was a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old who carried out these attacks. That should make us think.”
Palwala said he was “overwhelmed” when Not In Our Town Bloomington-Normal [NIOT] reached out to him this week looking to show solidarity. NIOT formed in the 1990s to counter bigotry and bullying in the Twin Cities. They brought dozens to the mosque on Friday.
Joining that show of solidarity Friday was Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe from Moses Montefiore Temple in Bloomington.
“My heart is breaking because many of my Jewish friends and neighbors are going through a very similar situation throughout the country. Not feeling safe and having our spaces of worship being attacked. I think it’s really important to stand here with my colleagues and interfaith community to remind our Muslim brothers and sisters that, no, here, especially in Bloomington-Normal, you’re not alone,” Dubowe told WGLT.
Mike Matejka, a leader with NIOT, said the group exists to show “we are one people, one community.” As America celebrates its 250th birthday this year, Matejka said the foundational freedom of religion means “nobody should be attacked as they worship.”
“Tragedy should not happen. But it’s important that no matter where it happens, we let our fellow community members know they’re accepted, they’re an important part of our community, and we stand with them in situations like this. They shouldn’t feel isolated and alone,” he said.
The Rev. Danny Bradfield from First Christian Church in Bloomington said he came to the mosque Friday out of love. He stood alongside Mollie Ward, a Bloomington City Council member and faith leader who is also involved with NIOT. Also in attendance was Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady, McLean County Board chair Elizabeth Johnston, Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington, and others.
“We are here. That’s something we share. The relationships we build by showing up for one another in times like this go forward,” Ward said. “They send a signal that when stuff happens, we are here for one another. No one stands by themselves. They’re not alone.”
In his remarks to the congregation, Palwala the imam said many things can be left to the Almighty. But he said we also have to do our part. For Muslims, he said, that means doing more to show what Islam is really about.
“We have to do less talking and more showing. We have to show through our character," he said. "We have to do a better job of being role models in North America."
