Terrorism killed more than 130 people in Paris last Friday--not Islam. The 8 alleged attackers, and all the others connected to the horrific event represent an extreme ideology built on hate. They do not represent Islam. As the world mourns the attacks in Paris, Beirut and everywhere else ISIS has destroyed life, everyone must remember that the vast majority of Muslims are peace-loving and tolerant. 

The world has to come together to eliminate ISIS, but the collective response should not be indiscriminate. The Muslim refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East cannot be abandoned. The Muslim citizens of Europe and around the world cannot be ostracized and abused. They, too, are the victims of ISIS. And they, too, want to see an end to ISIS's barbarity. 

Over the weekend, Muslims around the world mourned the attacks and condemned ISIS. #NotInMyName and #IAmAMuslim began trending on social media as a way for Muslims to express love and peace.






I am a Muslim, I am a Muslim and my name is Mohamed, I am Muslim and I am a Dancer, I am a Muslim and I have a Christian Girlfriend, I am a Muslim and my Mother or sisters doesn't wear Nikab, I am Muslim and I don't look like one,I am a Muslim and I have Jewish, Christians... friends, I am a Muslim and I eat beacon ones, I am a Muslim and I have a lot of Gays friends, I am a Muslim and I wear colorful colors"Pink", I am a Muslim and have piercings, I am a Muslim and I am feminist, I am Muslim and I never killed someone, I am Muslim and I don't scream load all the time" Allaho Akbar, I am a Muslim and I have a long hair, I am a Muslim and I love flowers, I am a Muslim and I Love Yoga, I Am a Muslim and i Love Indian and Asian food, I am a Muslim and I share my food with the people around me, I am a Muslim and I am kind, I am a Muslim and I love animals, I am a Muslim and I am not a terrorist, I am a Muslim and I love watching romantic movies, I am Muslim and I am not angry, I am a Muslim and I have a mind, I am a Muslim and I think, I am a Muslim and I don't pray five times a day, I am a Muslim but I love to my neighbor what I love to my self, I am a Muslim and I am not dangers unless I am on the DanceFloor, I am a Muslim and I am Proud of being a Muslim, I am a Muslim but first of all I am Human. You have your religion and I have mean with they good and bad. For me personally the evil have no religion . We got a mind who have a function Is to think with. So let's use it, We are intelligent enough to analyze what is happening around us. Let's take the best out of this religions and live together with respect. I believe that is good to have something in this life to believe in, whatever this something means to you. So at the end of the story If God really had a favorite religion I am sure he will have made this very clear. We all come to this world the same way from the same place and We all end up in the same place. Whatever your religion, color or social class. We are all equal, We are all the same. HUMAN'S lets try to learn how to THINK TOGETHER first then maybe We will one day PRAY all together ones. Salam-Peace #peace #love #think #iamamuslim

A photo posted by Mohamed Toukabri (@mohamed_toukabri) on




Today is International Day of Tolerance. As citizens and leaders everywhere condemn ISIS and work towards its defeat, I hope that tolerance and values of plurality are not thrown out the window.  ISIS is a monstrous cult fueled by intolerance. They are the very opposite of the caring, peaceful community made up of diverse people that Global Citizen advocates for.

So for today and every other day, I hope that within our collective outrage, we hold onto our collective compassion.

Editorial

Demand Equity

Muslims condemn attacks in Paris, Beirut, everywhere

By Joe McCarthy