Community in the Face of Hate
In response to international conflicts and tensions, violence often spills over to communities in the U.S.
"I really enjoyed the training, that it was informative and skillful for young people. I gained a sense of awareness. I learned how to stay grounded. Lots of young people and adults should be exposed to these kinds of training."
Fatimah, training participant
“We are now witnessing a surge in hate violence targeting Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian, Palestinian, and Jewish communities in the U.S. in the wake of the escalating conflict in the Middle East,” our partner, the Asian American Federation, shared in a statement we co-signed. “These incidents are a stark reminder of the persistent prejudice and bigotry that exist in our society.”
As a part of our response, NP is accompanying groups at actions, training community organisations, and sharing tips online about how to safe—from walking home to demonstrating in the streets. One recent training was with Muslim Community Network for a group of 15 Muslim teenagers. Before the workshop, when asked if they had faced violence, every single one raised their hand. Each one had encountered hate crimes, including Islamophobia. We took them through simulation exercises and they worked in groups to find creative ways to identify and deal with threats through nonviolent means.
“There was a time I personally faced Islamophobia, but didn’t know if there was something I could do,” said one of the teenagers after the training. “Now I know that I have to stand up to people who act like that to me. Now I know that I have people who will support me.”
At another training with Desis Rising Up and Moving, one mother hadn’t sent her child to school in weeks, fearing she would be targeted for wearing a hijab. Jewish and Muslim families (as well as others perceived to be Muslim, like Sikhs wearing turbans) have had similar concerns over wearing visible religious symbols. After the training with NP, the mother shared, “now I feel comfortable sending my child to school.”
At NP, we counter hate by connecting with each other and with community. We counter hate by sharing tools to stay safe. Together, we defy intolerance and build a foundation of understanding, acceptance, and shared security for all.