Source: Huff Post

By Joyce S. Dubensky

CEO, Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding

There’s lots of talk about the “Muslim Problem” in the U.S. and abroad. Generally, I find that framing troubling. But recently some very ordinary experiences made me realize that there actually is what I can only call the real Muslim problem.

As I was driving to work on a recent Friday, I reflected on my week and several unrelated conversations — only to realize that they were all connected. Though each experience (an e-mail, an event and a meeting about a program) was distinct, together they provided a chilling reminder of how many people in the U.S. view Muslims and those believed to be Muslim.

Early that week, I heard about bombings in Afghanistan, yet again. The news was about how the Taliban is ramping up its annual “Spring Offensive” in that war-torn country, targeting foreign invaders, their advisors, and all who help them militarily and in intelligence. Among their targets was Kabul, near the home of Jamila Afghani.

Jamila, a woman who is very dear to me, is becoming known for her peacebuilding efforts and for being one of Tanenbaum’s Peacemakers in Action. She sacrifices much to do this work, willingly taking risks to pursue a dream of peace. Despite her achievements in working toward peace, this year’s Taliban “Spring Offensive” struck close to home. When I heard about the bloodshed in Kabul, I reached out to connect and offer whatever support I could, as a person living freely, and ultimately far more safely, in New York City. Jamila’s e-mail response speaks for itself:

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