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<< jeet's family >>>>>>>
At the forefront of my thoughts lately has been Muslim women. When my parents were living in Singapore, they had three daughters under the age of four. Liike most other American women living there at the time, my mother hired a Muslim woman to help her in our home. All I can think about were the two beautiful Muslim women, Jasmi and Punya, who helped to hold me when I was sick, feed me when I was hungry, teach me to speak, play with me, and love me. These women were saviors for my mother. In many ways, they helped her learn how to be a mother, and, as she says, they taught her peace. These women are the true representatives of Islam.
If you want to know about some amazing women, I also need to tell you about the phenomenal women in my family. These acts are so minor, but hearing about them moved me deeply:
My sister and her husband went out to eat in an Afghani restaurant in DC last Friday. When they walked in, the place was completely empty. The owners of the restaurant looked at them as if to say, "What on earth are you doing here?" They just sat down and ordered as if it was no big deal. I realize that it wasn't really a big deal, but I think the message it sent was huge.
Janna is a social worker working with women in DC who are victims of violence in some way. Previously, she worked for an organization called "Women for Women" (formerly called "Women for Women in Bosnia") that pairs women in the US with women in Uganda, Bosnia, and Kosovo for emotional support through letter writing, as well as money which is sent to them monthly. This organization would be a wonderful resource. So would Janna, actually. If you want her e-mail, let me know.
Also, my aunt, Evalin Trice, wrote a letter to the Islamic community in Blacksburg which she dropped off at their community center last week. I don't know exactly what it said, but she spoke about her own love and memories of Muslim women from her own childhood in Singapore, as well as her support for this group at this time. She wanted them to know that they are not hated, and that there are people in this country who recognize the need to fight against such prejudice.
I am constantly impressed by the degree to which the women in my life work for peace.
Thanks for the chance to share these thoughts. You know, of course, that you have one such woman living with you right now!
Love, Jeet
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