Letter: A buddy system to aid Muslims

Friday, Oct. 5, 2001 | 4:31 a.m.

The incidents that have occurred in our city that have threatened or intimidated or discriminated against our Middle Eastern and Muslim citizens are unacceptable to the large majority of Las Vegans.

The Muslim communities have offered to teach all of us enough about their faith to help us understand that Islam is not represented by the diatribes of the extremists or terrorists. I am educated enough to know that Islam is a peaceful, devout religion with no hostility toward others of different faiths.

But whether our neighbors are Muslim and/or Middle Eastern, our neighbors have the right to be free of fear as they move about our community. No child or adult in Las Vegas should have to be uneasy in their own home.

I would like to see the mayor's office create a resource of people in every neighborhood who would be able to offer themselves as buddies for anyone who is uncomfortable walking to school, shopping or any other activity. We need to stand up for our neighbors and refuse the minority of people who are filled with hate to harm anyone in this community.

Is there a way that we can stand together and refuse to allow abuse or the fear of abuse to survive here?

GILLIAN WEATHERS