Despite Anti-Islam Rhetoric, Wisconsin Muslim Congregations Find Local Support

Despite a reported increase in anti-Islamic incidents in the U.S., leaders in Wisconsin’s Islamic community say they feel safe and are getting support from neighboring churches.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations reports an unprecedented backlash against American Muslims since the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino. But Muslim leaders in Wisconsin say they haven’t experienced that.

Ahmed Quereshi, the President of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, said that even in the face of anti-Muslim comments by figures like Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump, local reaction has been positive.

“There is a feeling in the community that the community is under siege and there is concern about these Islamophobic, hateful remarks,” Quereshi said. “However, we have friends in the interfaith community in Milwaukee and to date we have only received messages of support that our interfaith friends are keeping us in their prayers.”

Imam Tamer AbdulAziz of the Islamic Society of Northern Wisconsin said they did step up security but likewise said that their local community has been supportive.

“In light of all this, all these horrible things that have happened we have received much support from local churches, from public figures and also from political figures,” he said. “So, we’re very happy and grateful for that.”

AbdulAziz said the Islamic State group is the antithesis of what Islam stands for. He and Quereshi said their congregations are working with local churches to educate people about Islam.