Vigil for Ambassador Stevens

It was late Wednesday afternoon when a young, energetic activist called me up and suggested Boston do their share to honor Ambassador Stevens who hours earlier had been killed senselessly by some apparent Muslim militants or extremists - either reacting to a degrading video about Islam and our Prophet Muhammad or executing a pre-planned hateful act. In either case, then we saw an opportunity to bring the message of peace and moderation into the limelight with a focus on the quest for freedom in Syria similar to the Libyan people's journey, albeit protracted and much more violent, while honoring a true statesman and exemplary human being. Ambassador Stevens died on the ground of a people he loved and respected and who loved and respected him.

I called up a few fellow Syrian activists and most importantly my dear friend and respected human rights activist Blake Parker and everyone was on board. Boston could do this thing. I also contacted a few media outlets and amazingly enough then we found out that the cable network NECN decided to attend (and did a fabulous piece on the vigil) from the mere website contact I did (not via a personal email or anything). That was impressive and showed us that it never hurts to just try and contact people and entities because it might just pay off. We actually also had coverage by Fox News and one single Boston Globe reporter who merely took a picture with text under.

Friends showed up, Syrians, Libyans, other nationalities as well as Cambridge folks who had actually known Ambassador Stevens and could attest to his humanity and character and dedication for freedom. I have to honestly admit that there was some initial confusion as the organizer of the event (moi) had never done a vigil before, but Blake and a few friends set up a place with flowers and candles and got the dedication under way while I was busy being in the limelight, pretending to know what I was talking about. Well, I do know what I am talking about, but it is still a bit intimidating to be representing not only yourself but by default all Muslims in the New England area while wanting to insert the message of freedom and liberty for the people of Syria.

One of our very respected and well-spoken members Dr. Omar Salem had been selected to give a speech that I had put together from different other activists' input. He did edit it slightly, but the point is that it was a work of collaboration and it beautifully summed up how we all felt:


As members of the Syrian-American community, we are proud to join with our friends from the Libyan-American community and so many other Americans in protesting these senseless attacks  of the past couple of days and showing our solidarity with all of those who are committed to a peaceful future for the Middl

e East.

The Syrian American community condemns in the strongest possible terms the tragic attacks in Libya and Egypt. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Ambassador Stevens and the other three U.S. diplomats senselessly killed in Benghazi.

We are deeply grateful for the courage and the selfless dedication that these heroes and so many other members of the U.S. diplomatic corps have shown in Libya, Syria, and throughout the region during this turbulent period of the Arab Spring and the ongoing Revolution in Syria.

Let us be absolutely clear: These violent acts do not reflect the views of the overwhelming majority of Egyptians, Libyans, Syrians,  and others throughout the Middle East who are committed to religious tolerance and building a peaceful and democratic future for the region.

   The US played a vital role in saving Benghazi from destruction at the hands of Muammar Gaddafi, in hastening an end to his regime and in the transition to a government that reflects the will of the Libyan people. Those actions reflect the very best of what America stands for.

Reports indicate that those who killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens did so as a reaction to a video depicting the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in a profane manner. Although we believe that this video is hateful and bigoted, this should never be an excuse to commit any acts of violence whatsoever. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is loved and respected by hundreds of millions of people across the world, and no one can take this from our hearts. No one should fall into the trap of those who wish to incite anger. The Prophet (peace be upon him) should be our example in everything we do. Even though he was attacked and insulted many times throughout his life, Prophet Muhammad always reacted with compassion and forgiveness, never with revenge or violence.

As we work to end the brutal rule of the Assad regime and foster the transition to a free and democratic Syria, we reaffirm our longstanding commitment to creating a new nation based on the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for human rights.

For those curious about the coverage on NECN, watch it here.