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Ahmad Mohibi
 by Kayla Hickman

Mending the Bridge Between Communities with a Simple Hello

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

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 by Rise to Peace

High Level Forum Combating Anti-Muslim Discrimination and Hatred

High Level Forum Combating Anti-Muslim Discrimination and Hatred

Encountering Ahmad Mohibi and two other young millennials at the United Nations for the High Level Forum Combating Anti-Muslim Discrimination and Hatred on January 17, 2017 was inspirational and brought a depth of participation and meaning to this insightful informative forum. Many of the speakers and panelists alluded to similar facts: the rising number of hate crimes, the underreported number of incidences, the collaboration, networking and partnerships among government, civil society, faith based, business and community groups. One distressing statement was repeated several times: Isn’t it sad that there has to be this meeting – a high level forum on combatting anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred?

As the day went on, as speakers and panelists spoke and as participants raised their questions, the energy in the room seemed very focused on addressing all forms of hatred and discrimination, including anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred. Some of the phrases of speakers and panelists that come back to inspire me to action are:

  1. Extraordinary courage of those standing up to discrimination and hatred.
  2. Psychological impact, especially of children being bullied in school.
  3. Those present at today’s meeting are bridge builders.
  4. Need an alternative narrative – one that recognizes, understands, challenges and corrects the current narrative which is negative: that Muslims are terrorists, violent and victims. We need a realistic narrative that tells the true story of who Muslims are – Muslims are diverse, are Latino, Black, Arab, are in all professions and work places, are responsible citizens.

The words of Ahmad have left an indelible impression on my mind and heart, “My parents taught me to value the richness of diversity; to respect all people and see each person as valuable and important. Where would I be if I had not had my parents as role models? Where would I be if as an English translator in Afghanistan I had not met men and women who mentored me in values that emphasize respect, inclusively and interdependence? I want to give back. I want to bring the education, the awareness, the resources I had to those drawn to terrorism so they can know another way.” These are the words of a 28 year-old who has seen and known violence and is choosing to address it nonviolently through education and awareness. The Forum and encounters with these bridge builders has left me more knowledgeable and committed.

Submitted by Carol De Angelo, SC, January 19, 2017

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