Editorial: We must extend hand of friendship

Simon Waters

WHANGANUI'S Muslim community could be forgiven for feeling under siege right now.

Most are not New Zealand-born and have arrived here from various countries looking to forge a new life for their families.

Whanganui is home to about 200 people across 18 or so families who identify as Muslim.
Some work in professional positions, others run businesses, all add to the rich diversity
that makes our community vibrant and interesting.

Yet they are reluctant to rock the boat or to offend. For them their religion puts them under a spotlight few of us can comprehend.

US President Donald Trump's travel ban targeting seven Muslim nations is said to be an attempt to keep terrorists from entering the United States.

Every nation has the right to keep its citizens safe. But its effects are more widespread. It has stirred up xenophobia some have likened to the policies of the Nazi Party.

A shooting outside a Canadian mosque this week that killed six people and injured 18, is a case in point.

The Chronicle reached out to local Muslims to find out if any were caught up in the mess following this week's executive order banning entry to the US of nationals from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Sudan.

None wanted to speak on the record, mainly for fear of reprisals against themselves or their families.

Those who did agree to speak, did so on condition of anonymity.

While they were unaware of any locals forbidden entry into the US, they said Muslims here nonetheless felt singled out.

One urged local Muslims to stay positive; their reaction, he said, must be polite and diplomatic.

Similarly, it behoves us to extend the hand of friendship, to reassure them they live in a caring community that rejects hate speech and policies.

In the words of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau following this week's mosque shooting: "We are with you."