Last Friday, three men intervened as a mad-man screamed anti-Muslim insults at two teen girls on a commuter train in Portland, Oregon. As a result, two men tragically died from knife wounds with the lone survivor recovering in the hospital.
Harris Zafar is the national spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, and in this op-ed for The Oregonian, writes:
“As an American Muslim who has lived in Portland for 31 years, I went numb when I learned about this attack… But I learned what true character, valor and courage look like. These three men who protected these teens put themselves at risk by standing up for those who could not do so for themselves. They are real-life heroes. My heart and prayers are with the families of these heroes. Your lives are changed forever, but please be proud of your loved one and know that they have inspired countless people with their courage and integrity. And as a man of faith, I am convinced that God will reward them in the afterlife, where I pray they find eternal peace….
To the unnamed heroes and the many courageous souls who tended to the victims and even chased after Christian when he fled the scene, I thank you. As a Muslim, as an Oregonian, as an American, as a father and as a human, I thank you for showing me that humanity and honor are still alive. To all my fellow Americans and Oregonians, I ask you to honor these heroes, but I also ask you to inculcate that same spirit of courage within yourselves to destroy any ignorance, fear or hatred that may live in your heart. You will find in me a partner in that cause.”
