As the founder of Rise to Peace (R2P), Ahmad Mohibi, was warmly welcomed at the monthly meeting of the Frederick County Democrats on Feb 6, 2017. The meeting was well attended and Mr. Mohibi’s message dovetailed with the Frederick Democrats mission “to advance the core Democratic values of economic fairness and equality of opportunity in Frederick County.
Mr. Mohibi talked of his experience at the Dulles Airport the previous weekend, greeting refugees under uncertain circumstances and amidst confusion. Ahmad took notice of the positive gathering of others at the airport. “When I was at Dulles, it felt as if a community was being born,” Ahmad shared. Ahmad talked about how the day before this talk at the airport, showed how the ideals that America was founded on have not been lost; the understanding that this country was founded by immigrants and refugees still holds true. Ahmad talked about R2P continuing to push its message that all human beings are collectively one community.
Ahmad talked about the importance he places on educating others through conversations to build understanding. He shared some of his own personal successes and reminded those gathered that not all Muslims are terrorists any more than all Caucasians are Ku Klux Klan members. Ahmad talked about how he believes talking, sharing, learning and gaining knowledge is key to acknowledging the common goals and values of humans, the importance of working together to live in peace and harmony. Ahmad has seen some of the worst in the world in his country, Afghanistan and talked about what promoted him to help our country as an interpreter and his own value on the importance of fighting for peace for all.
Ahmad highlighted the importance of just saying, “Hello” to someone of a different culture and how this simple greeting can change an experience, alter a stereotype, open a mind, and be the first step toward building a better community.
We encourage you to support our efforts toward a realization of spreading and living by the words of peace.
See more information about Rise to peace on Facebook, twitter, and at risetopeace.org