“He who does not thank people, does not thank God.” 

[Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)] 

“The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him.”

[Ralph W Emerson] 

Since the sign in front of MAPS was vandalized, our community truly realized the “Glory of Friendship.”  It is at times of challenge that one discovers one’s true friends.  In the past week hundreds of our co-citizens reached out to us with concern, care, support and love.  Nearly 500 visited us.  Many brought cards and flowers.  Some made signs and stood in support as we prayed.  Others raised money in their churches and synagogues.  One person launched a GoFundMe campaign and raised $1,850.  Over one hundred people from across the nation took time and wrote to us.  Church and synagogue leaders hugged us.  Representatives of non-profit organizations checked on us.  Government officials, including the Redmond Mayor, the Issaquah Mayor, the Sound Cities Association which represents 37 cities of King County, the Governor, US Rep Jayapal and US Rep DelBene called us and issued strong statements condemning the act of hate.  The press gave us fair coverage. The words and gestures of these true friends have truly melted our hearts and brought tears to our eyes.  We cannot quite put into words how much our community has been moved by this outpouring of support.  We have documented many of the emails we received below [names and email ids redacted].  Please take time and read some of these notes and appreciate the goodness in our fellow neighbors. 

On behalf of the MAPS community, we would like to extend my sincerest thanks from the bottom of our hearts to all those who reached out and cared for us.  Each and everyone of our community members sincerely say thank you.  We all pray that God’s blessings be upon all of us, that He strengthen our bonds of friendship and that He keep all of us safe. 

To everyone at MAPS Redmond (& for that matter, to every Muslim in the U.S.), 

From the deepest part of my heart, I proclaim — YOU BELONG. 

And from every cell in my body, I proclaim — THANK YOU for being a part of The United States of America. You make our country what it is, & you add so much to my sense of safety, knowing how connected we all are, even in our seeming differences, & I appreciate your perspectives & your beautiful & sacred spirituality. 

And from my very soul, I proclaim — I stand with you. I will not forsake you. I am your sister. You are my family. And together, we will see this through. 

I’ll see you at the Sign Ceremony. 🙂

May God Bless & Keep You, 

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I’d like to apologize as a community member of Seattle for whoever smashed your sign and I hope you are able to build a new one. I’m a poor college student with no money to give to build you a new one, but I do have my time to give if there is anyway I can help you. Seattle is a place of welcoming and I hope everyone in your community will look past the egregious action some horrendous person took. With this current political state of hatred in our country I hope you all will be safe and know that community has your back. 

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 Dear MAPS,

I am devastated that our country has elected a leader who speaks hateful things about Muslims. This hate has spread and given permission for people to do awful things like the vandalism that occurred at MAPS.

I was so saddened to hear of this deplorable act. I am Jewish and volunteer with KIDS4Peace. I brought my two kids, now aged 5 and 8, on a tour of your mosque two years ago. I wanted my kids to learn about the beauty of Islam before they were poisoned by media perceptions. We were greeted so warmly at MAPS, and my family will never forget this hospitality.

Thank you so much for your generous spirit to outsiders. If there is anything we can do to stand by your community during this difficult time, please let me know. I want to show my support in some way, but am not sure what would be appropriate.

With warm wishes and in solidarity,

=====

 Hello, I have been wanting to reach out for some time, but the editorial in today’s Seattle Times (Stand with your Muslim neighbors and fight bigotry) made me take action. Do you know of any open houses or events that I could attend? My sole purpose is to reach out and offer friendship and support. I am not any religion, but am a concerned citizen and feel the need to do some small to offset what seems like a growing, frightening trend in our society.

I live very close to the Bellevue Islamic center. I called their number, but did not get an answer and didn’t leave a message as there was no identifying message. 

Thank you for any advice!

Kind regards,

===== 

Thank you for hosting the open house today. My two sons ages 4 and 9 left a candle they had decorated (the younger one would like you to know he made the snail:).

We are glad that you are a part of our community. I am sorry that you have been threatened. This community is full of friends and we will work to counteract the intolerance generated during this election.. I have been calling my representatives daily since the election. I will continue to let our government know that we object to any policies which seek to separate or marginalize our Muslim neighbors. 

Take good care,

 ===== 

I saw, belated, the news of your damaged sign. I am so sorry that you experienced this- I am not a Muslim, but want you all to know that I love what I see you doing in communities, and I love that you’re here as a part of our larger community. 

The wisdom that you shared in your letter on hate crimes can be understood by any marginalized community. We must give more, do more and become more. Thank you for sharing that with each of us in these challenging times. 

Much love to you all,

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I saw a post on FaceBook about the vandalism to your mosque. To express the solidarity of my family to our muslim neighbors, I made a donation of 25 dollars to your organization. We will also be calling our elected officials this week (and as long as it takes) to express our concerns over such acts and to underscore the importance of all public officials to take a strong position against them. It is our hope that the people behind this pointless desecration will, in time, come to see the diversity of ways the we Americans praise the divine and celebrate community is a strength, not a weakness.

 =====

 Hello Abdul-  

It was nice to speak with you a few minutes ago.  Several moms from Bellevue Presbyterian Church are interested in supporting your work and being a presence of support and safety for you.  

 ===== 

I’m so sorry you were subjected to this unskilled behavior. Many are with you and stand with you. 

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Upon hearing of the vandalism of your mosque’s sign on KUOW, I would like to extend a message of support and goodwill to you and your congregation. 

Wishing peace and strength to you and the families in your community.  

===== 

A friend in your area posted your response to the unfortunate vandalism in a conversation we were having on Facebook. I want to tell you that the entire statement was excellent but I am especially moved by #3 – to act with kindness and be engaged – because this to me also is the essence of what we must do every day, not just standing up to the bigots, but moving positively to transform our communities. From California I send you thanks and best wishes. 

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Hi Mr. Ibrahim,

It was a pleasure to meet you a few moments ago. I came by to inform MAPS that I started a gofundme site to raise funds when I read about the MAPS sign being vandalized about a week ago. The site has of right now raised $1,850, surpassing the initial goal I set of $1,500. I’d like to download the funds and send a check for the amount to MAPS, but need to know to whom to deliver it. Could you get back to me to coordinate?

Thank you.

Good afternoon,

I attended your open house on Friday with my synagogue, Kol Haneshamah. Thank you kindly for the invitation.

At the presentation, I learned about the event to install the new sign (I believe it is on December 9th) and it got me thinking about a way that we could be of service to you, if needed. I work for the Carpenter’s Union. Our members build bridges, hospitals, schools, high rises, and more, throughout the Puget Sound. I wonder if you would like any volunteer help from skilled craftspeople  to install your new sign. Let me know if you are interested and we will work with you to make it happen.

Take care,

Expressing solidarity after vandalism

I saw a post on FaceBook about the vandalism to your mosque. To express the solidarity of my family to our muslim neighbors, I made a donation of 25 dollars to your organization. We will also be calling our elected officials this week (and as long as it takes) to express our concerns over such acts and to underscore the importance of all public officials to take a strong position against them. It is our hope that the people behind this pointless desecration will, in time, come to see the diversity of ways the we Americans praise the divine and celebrate community is a strength, not a weakness.

Friends, I saw, belated, the news of your damaged sign. I am so sorry that you experienced this- I am not a Muslim, but want you all to know that I love what I see you doing in communities, and I love that you’re here as a part of our larger community. The wisdom that you shared in your letter on hate crimes can be understood by any marginalized community. We must give more, do more and become more. Thank you for sharing that with each of us in these challenging times.

Much love to you all,

I am appalled about the recent act of vandalism towards the muslim community. I am a white Christian male and I want to assure you I’m standing against any form of racism and xenophobia against your or any other community. Despite the result of the recent elections, or maybe because of it I’m more resolved to stand firm in defense of the values that brought me to this land: tolerance, peace and a chance at the American dream for every single person, irrespective of race or religion. You have a friend in me and like me in millions others.

You are not alone!

I’m a Jewish atheist — which shouldn’t be relevant but it unfortunately is — and, more relevantly, a fellow community member in that my wife and I live in Bellevue.  We have just read of the vandalism your facility suffered.  The outcome of the recent election has made clear to me the necessity of speaking up by those of us who find such acts of intolerance unacceptable.   The vandals DO NOT speak for us.  Please know that you are not alone in the struggle against hate and ignorance.

Best wishes,

It has been a pleasure for me to have worked along side a number of your members as volunteers in restoration efforts at Marymoor Park. I’m very disappointed by recent events involving vandalism at the mosque. But please know that the key to success in bringing folks into the idea of tolerance is not to withdraw, but to continue with outreach to help others know that all people share fundamental values and that for the most part, we share many of the same values.

Best wishes on your congregation.

Dear brothers and sisters. Even though I’m not a religious person, I wanted to extend my regrets for the vandalism done against your mosque. Please know that this person(s) certainly doesn’t represent the people of Redmond or the Eastside.

Attached is a letter from the Executive Committee of the Sound Cities Association (SCA), including our President Mayor of Auburn, our Vice President Mayor of Kenmore, our Treasurer Mayor of Kirkland, and our Past President Mayor of Snoqualmie. As noted in the attached letter, on behalf of 37 member cities of SCA, we are deeply saddened by the vandalism of your mosque and the fear and intimidation your members have faced.

SCA represents 37 cities of King County and provides a voice for over one million people. As a voice for those we represent, we will be clear that we reject such messages of hate. SCA’s mission is to provide leadership through advocacy, education, mutual support and networking to cities as they act locally and partner regionally to create livable vital communities. The livable vital communities we seek to foster are diverse, they safeguard the rights of residents to worship, and they work to ensure the safety of all residents. This act of vandalism is at odds with the values of our communities, and does not reflect the strong threads of inclusiveness and respect that more accurately define our region.

SCA condemns the recent vandalism of the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) mosque and stand in support of MAPS as you open your mosque this Thanksgiving week to strengthen our region with a community meal.

I stand by in Love and Support with/of the Muslim Association of Puget Sound.

Dear Members of The Muslim Association of Puget Sound Mosque,

I am writing to express my deep concern and regret about the vandalism to your sign this week. I can understand how hurtful this must feel to your members. I want to assure you this does not reflect the values of our community This community shares your values of peace, respect and the dignity of all people. It is my hope that you can take comfort in knowing that your neighbors stand in solidarity with you against violence, threats of violence and acts of vandalism. I wish you all peace and happiness.

Sincerely,

I saw the story about your sign in the news and want you to know I am sorry. I am sorry that a person thought it was ok to do this. I am not Muslim but my heart stands with you all. I will stand for you if called upon.

Thank you for being here, part of our larger diverse community.

Hello, I just read in the news about the vandalism that just occurred at your Redmond mosque. I am a devout atheist and a woman horrified at this type of hatred. Do you have a need for volunteers at your Thanksgiving dinner?

I would like to support your community in some way.

Greetings!

I am so sorry to hear of the recent vandalism and I’ve made a small donation to try to help with repairs. As a non-Muslim and mother of a two-year-old, I would like to visit the mosque sometime and perhaps attend a prayer service with my son and husband. We want our son to be exposed to all religions and especially want to attend your mosque. However, I do not want to be disrespectful nor do I want to make anybody uncomfortable with our presence during prayer.. I have to traveled to Muslim countries and visited mosques so I know that I will cover my head, but other than that, what kind of arrangements do you make for non-Muslims who want to visit? No hurry in getting back to me. Know that our hearts are with you during this time and hopefully we will be able to visit sometime in the new year.

Blessings and love,

I am dismayed and sad at the vandalism of your sign and the need for guards. Freedom of religion is at the core of,life in the United States and our new political climate does NOT reflect the majority of citizens. If I, as a liberal-thinking Cristian and generally caring human being, can ever do anything to help you and your people, please contact me. My church community, my friends, my partner, stand with you in these dangerous and strange times.

Dear MAPS,

I recently heard that your sign was vandalized. I am so sorry that something like this happened in our community. I live in Redmond, and I’m appalled that someone would do this. Please know that you are valued and that you belong in our community.

Good evening, I was saddened to read news that your center was vandalized. I will stand and defend the rights of your community to worship in peace. Too many people in the United States have a warped and limited understanding of Islam. To paraphrase Dr. King, only love can conquer hate. So in this moment know your community is loved. You belong. I lived for two years in Morocco while serving in the Peace Corps. Now my Moroccan friends are family to me because of the warmth of their welcome to a strange American. I have experienced the loving generosity and kindness of followers of Islam. I felt in this dark hour that I must write and return that loving kindness to you. If there is a way I can stand in solidarity with your community, please let me know. I will follow your lead and support your rights to live and worship in peace in America. You have a friend in me. In your hour of need please write.

Sincerely,

Hello. I’m just reaching out to say I hope your mosque has not been targeted by any sort of hate groups, especially in light of recent election results. And that if you ever are or feel like you need allies, or if there is some sort of way to better show my support for American Muslims in this scary time, I’m here. You all are part of my community and I’m offering my support in any way I can give it.

Thanks.

Salaam aleikhum!

I feel sickened to learn about the hateful damage to your beautiful sign. I hope whoever did this is brought to justice. There is absolutely no room for hate on the Eastside, or anywhere else. I am with Congregation Kol Ami in Woodinville. Please let us know how we can help. Peace be upon you, upon all those you hold dear, and upon the whole world.

In friendship,

I was horrified to hear about the damage to your sign and read the letter from the MAPS President. I will be donating to MAPS but I have some comments about your online donation form. The donation categories were hard to understand. Perhaps there could be a short explanation of each category. It took some searching on your website to discover but I see what MCRC is. The default category choice is “MAPS-MCRC Outbound Good” but I don’t know what that means. I know that sadaqa is charity, the same word in Hebrew and I’m guessing those donations go to good causes worldwide. The category “Refugee Assistant” sounds like there is one paid person who assists refugees. If not then perhaps “Refugee Assistance” was intended. Finally, I tried to donate but when I didn’t get the “secret code” (captcha) correct the web site gave me no way to continue. Pressing back made the browser wait until I gave up. Usually when the captcha is typed incorrectly there is a button to try again. I’m sure you want to make it as easy as possible to donate to MAPS so I hope that you will consider these suggestions.
Respectfully,

I heard that your sign was vandalized and I would like to make a donation to help you get it repaired. Can you send me the information of who to mail it to and make it out to?

Thank you,

I would like to know the time of your Friday prayer services. I would like to attend to show solidarity in the face of those who are spreading lies about Islam and committing acts of vandalism against your Mosque.

I made a donation to help with the recent vandalism of your Center. I want you to know we are with you. We respect other religions, including Islam. We deplore this action and stand with you as fellow Americans .

Take heart and God bless

Hello. I was deeply saddened to hear about the vandalism that occurred on your sign. Is there anything I can do to help?

Dear MAPS community members,

I’m a rabbi in Pennsylvania who learned from another rabbi in Washington state about the terrible act of vandalism that took place at your masjid. I just wanted to say I am profoundly sad and upset to learn that this happened, as I know many people of all faiths who learn about it also feel. I stand with my fellow Muslim-Americans against all acts of bigotry, hate, and intimidation, and I pray for blessings for strength, love, comfort, safety, and renewed energy to bring more light, love, and human kindness into our society.

Blessings,

Friends – I just read about the vandalism you experienced to your sign. I am deeply sorry and very concerned for your community. Please know that you have friends who will stand with you against hate and violence. If there is any way our church can support you in this time and going forward please reach out! WE will hold you in our prayers for peace and resolve.

Blessings to you!

Hello, I just wanted to reach out quickly to say that I was very sorry to hear about the recent vandalism to your sign. There are a lot of angry people out there right now, I’m sorry that your organization fell victim to one of them, and I hope you know that there a lot of people who support what you do, and will stand by you in trying times like these.

All the best,

Hello, I am a Chinese-American who wanted to let you know that you have non-Muslim allies in the Puget Sound region. I am so sorry to learn that your sign was vandalized. In the coming months and years, I hope that communities of color and different faiths, plus white allies, all stand together against the hate that this election has unleashed.

Yours,

Friends in the community, I was saddened and appalled to hear that of recent vandalism of the sign at your center in Redmond. As a Christian and I hope a plain-old-decent-person, I condemn any such behavior. Thank you for all you do, especially helping to feed people at Thanksgiving along with St Thomas Church. I made a small donation in the hope that putting some financial along with spiritual support helps.

Dear MAPS,

I confess I was not aware of your organization until this morning when a community action group that I belong to shared the horrible vandalism of your sign. I spent a while on your website before I had to get my kids up and ready for school, and I want to tell you that your work is an incredible gift to this community. The Co-Op preschool, partnerships with interfaith organizations, your community service projects… you are obviously deeply rooted in our community and have found ways to support so many people. Which, of course, makes the vandalism of last night so much more offensive. I am an administrator for an online community of 20,000 Washingtonians who are united in a mission to promote positivity, inclusivity, and community investment in the same way that you do. First of all, we will be promoting your organization as a worthy place to give, as you must now factor in the cost not only of sign repairs, but of increased security. Second, we would love to have some kind of event where our members can learn more about the Muslim-American experience (most of us do not belong to your faith), and how we can be strong allies in the face of this bigotry. Please know that this week, a week of Thanksgiving, I am truly thankful for the work you do, for your place in this country, for your resilience and goodness in the face of hate.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Hello. I come from a Jewish background and feel strongly that the events around the recent election re-inforce the need for Jews and Muslims in The US to support each other and the values of liberal democracy.. I live in Custer,WA, (~20 miles north of Bellingham) . Please let me know if there are any volunteer opportunities to support your community in Whatcom County.

Thanks! Best Wishes

Could you get the word out that an ecumenical group of women of all faiths and no faith is forming to support one another in the age of Trump. Because he’s advocating a Muslim registry, and Muslim women are easy targets with their headscarves, our first meeting is being held at MAPS Redmond on Tues., Nov. 29th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Childcare and a soup and bread supper will be provided.

As a 30# year resident of Redmond, I can assure you that our community is fully prepared to support you and your members in any and every way that we can. You need only suggest to us what we can do and we will be there!!!

Assalaamu aleikom MAPS,

I was deeply saddened to hear about the act of vandalism that happened earlier this week. I am a Jewish young adult university student. I spent my entire childhood in Redmond and wanted to say that Muslims are beloved members of our community and are always welcome here. Please feel free to reach out to me about anything you need and let me know if there is anything I can do for your community.

Peace,

Hello, I am so sorry to hear about your sign being vandalized. I am an ally and supporter in the south end and I stand with you. You are in my heart and thoughts.

The news report mentioned this morning about your sign being vandalized and I am writing to say I am so sorry. It breaks my heart that people are so close minded and have so little room in their hearts for all the ways we express our faith in the world. There is room for all of us. Please accept this humble email as a small (very small, I know) token of goodwill from a local resident.

I am so sorry to hear about the recent vandalization of your property. Please know that for every hateful person there are many more like me who are opposed to this disgusting behavior. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.

With much respect and love,

I wish to express my sorrow at the hostility that is around your community, and to send my pledge to you of love and acceptance. Your freedom is our freedom, your safety is our safety. May you always be blessed and protected.

I was horrified to hear about the recent vandalism at your mosque. I hope that my contribution can be put to use for repairs on your property. A peaceful holiday season to you and your community.

Seattle, WA

Hello, I’m one of the pastors at Crystal Springs Community of Christ in Bothell. A few of my congregants have expressed interest in showing our support for MAPS by attending your Open House this Friday, and wondered about appropriate attire, specifically the women wanted to know if they should wear headscarves (or if doing so might be seen as inappropriate). Honestly, I don’t know the protocol on this. Could you please advise?

Thanks.

Blessings,

I am so sorry to hear about the destruction of the monument at your mosque. I just made a contribution to your association. For your information, I am Jewish, fear that this senseless violence will extend to my community as well. We must stand together in solidarity for the values that we all hold close.

Hello:

I was heartbroken to see on the news your sign had been vandalized. My husband and I would like to make a small donation toward the repairs. What would be the best way to do that? The donation list online didn’t have an option I thought would fit. Please advise.

In peace,

I was so very sorry to learn of the vandalism at your mosque. It breaks my heart to hear of this destruction but I want you to know your mosque and your faith are supported in this community. One of the reasons I love living in Redmond is the diversity in our community and I believe it is something to be celebrated. I also believe most of us who live here feel the same way. My family and I stand with you and your parish and reject this prejudicial and dangerous thinking. With love and peace during this Thanksgiving weekend and always.

I am messaging to find out how I can support your religious community? I stand against the vandalism and hate. It’s wrong! It is my hope you’ll find this message encouraging..

We wanted to express our sadness of hearing about the vandalism to your sign. Even though we are not Muslim, we believe that all people no matter what religion, race, gender, or orientation deserve freedom and respect.

Our thoughts are with you! #hatewillnotwin

I am appalled that this terrible thing has been done to your beautiful house of prayer. May the whole Muslim community, especially our brothers and sisters here in Washington, feel secure and safe. May you continue to be a blessing for us all.

I am so sorry to hear about another act of vandalism. I went to the national website for CAIR to register my interest in supporting those in our community who are suddenly feeling very vulnerable. I work with Somali students in Seattle’s Rainier Valley and I’m trying to stay connected so I can support their families in these very, very discouraging times. Thank you for your strength. Our community and our country are made stronger by the diversity you represent.

Hello, I just learned of the act of vandalism that was targeted at your community. I want to let you know I condemn this act and I strongly believe that hate has no place in our city and community at large. I actually called the Mayor of Redmond last week and I asked him to denounce racism and bigotry and to stand up for human rights. I was glad to see his statement today but saddened to learn it was preceded by this hateful act. Please know that we stand with you.

Kindly,

HI:

I just wanted to say as an American raised in the Catholic tradition that I am sorry to hear of the violence that has been done to your place of worship and the emotional violence that was intended towards your community. This was a despicable act of terror by a person/s intended to create fear and bring harm towards a non-violent religious community here in the US, Whomever did this is going against the very foundations of our country’s core mandates. Freedom of worship is so very basic to our country’s core values. This was a serious offense. I hope this terrorist will be caught and held fully accountable. Committing acts of violence on non-violent civilians who are targeted simply based on religion or ethnicity is 100% against our country’s very basis of existence and our laws. Thank you for your willingness to proceed with feeding the homeless in an Interfaith activity by working together with a local Christian Church for Thanksgiving. despite this violence perpetrated on your community. Thank you for being a living example of what it means to live by faith and following your spiritual teachings to bring benefit to persons in need. Your community’s presence adds to the richness of our country and the good works of your community and interfaith collaborations only add to the well-being of our nation. I am thankful for your beneficial presence in the US. Several years ago I attended an interfaith experience where we went to the Bellevue mosque. That was the first time I had ever been inside a mosque. I was surprised to learn that there are many similarities to Catholic traditions of fasting, and doing acts of service to help the poor, the sick, the homeless and the elderly. When I was a child as a woman it was mandatory for me to wear a veil in Church as a sign of respect. In the Catholic tradition this represented modesty and focusing on spiritual matters rather than on vanity. While working at the YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association) as a career counselor I had a beautiful Muslim woman assistant who volunteered to help me in my work to help people find jobs, training and internships. She herself was a small business owner who owned a rug shop with her husband.. She wore a headscarf which I now know to be called a ‘hijab’ as she volunteered. Since I grew up knowing the positive values of wearing a veil myself, as a Catholic, I understood this was her and a part of her religious tradition.. This woman helped me immeasurably with secretarial duties as I worked with 70 clients and there was always so much to do. She was always kind, positive and so very giving to me and my clients. Please know that I am praying now for your community and your place of worship. I pray that you will remember and keep strong with the knowledge that love is stronger than hate and always will be. N. Thank you for proceeding to serve the poor, to feed the homeless, help the elderly, honor family values, teaching children how to respect themselves and others and to use their gifts to better our local community, our society, our country and all humanity. I deeply believe in our Constitution and our Bill of Rights..Freedom of religion is a basic tenet of our country as is the equality of all persons. Every human has value, dignity and worth. I am praying that local Christians and local people from all faiths or those who are non-believers will also come forward at this time…to figuratively and literally stand with you and ensure your right to worship and live your lives without threat, intimidation, harm or violence.

I live in Redmond, and just wanted to reach out in solidarity and friendship following the results of our election and the events of the last week and year. We also want to stand with you in support following the recent acts of vandalism. I want to assure you that in our public and private interactions, I and my husband will continue to stand with and support our Muslim brothers and sisters in their right to live, work, and gather as any resident or citizen would. Though we are not religious ourselves, recognize people of all faiths as equally important and valued members of our community. We have resolved to be more present in our community actions, whether that involves attending MAPS-related events, visiting the mosque, donating, or volunteering. Thank you for your outreach.

Peace be with you always,

Dear friends at MAPS,

We were very sad to hear about the vandalism and expression of hate and bigotry at MAPS. As a family, we want you to know how much our lives have been enriched by the care of Muslim doctors, the love of Muslim childcare givers, and the care of Muslim staff members at school. I’ve been spoiled by the beautiful hospitality of so many Muslim friends around the world. We want to acknowledge that this is another of too many scary, tenuous times in recent memory for our Muslim neighbors. You are in our hearts, and we promise to speak out wherever we see bigotry in speech or action. In my own prayer life since this election, I have felt called to accompany the vulnerable, and I want you to know that this Catholic walks with you. If there is anything specific call to action you have for supporters/allies, please let me know; I work at a predominantly Black/Filipino Catholic church in Seattle and worship in another. I stand ready to collaborate in any way that may be appropriate for the MAPS community.

Blessings to every member of MAPS and in hope that we can gather in peace soon,

I’m sorry you were the victims of hate that our new President-Elect has unleashed. I’m sorry for the vandalism your sign endured. I’m writing to let you know that there are people here in Seattle you can count on for support. I’m one of those people.

With love and sincerity,

I just read in The Stranger about the destruction of your sign and I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone and that there are many, many people in our community who support you and respect you.

You are loved.

I saw the news story about your sign. I’m not Muslim but I would be happy to help you fix it if you would like.

Thank you,

I read about the recent vandalism to the granite gates at MAPS and as a fellow Redmond resident I wanted to reach out. I’m saddened that this act has happened and I want your community to know that it certainly doesn’t represent my family’s views and I sincerely hope it does not represent the Redmond community as a whole. I’m largely ignorant of whether or not the Muslim community faces discrimination here, but our family would like to lend our support. If there are ways we can be of help please let us know. Best of wishes to you.

Sincerely, (a fellow Redmond neighbor)

To the MAPS community:

I just heard about the senseless and reprehensible destruction of your lovely sign and wish to send both my condolences and a donation to your organization in part to help replace the sign and also in the hopes of letting you know that the community at large here in Redmond will not stand idly by while members of that community are harassed, intimidated, and threatened. This is unacceptable and I hope that the perpetrator or perpetrators are found swiftly. I hope all of your members are safe. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Regards,

Please accept this small donation to help alleviate the cost of repairing or replacing the vandalized granite sign at your Redmond mosque. I am so very sorry this happened to you folks!

I’m so sorry that this happened to you. I just drove by a few weeks ago and felt peace seeing that your mosque looked like it always did. I’m heartbroken that this is now not the case. Please know that there are people in this area who find this appalling, and we will not stand for any further attacks on your community. Please continue to let the public know if you need more visible support.

I’m sorry someone damaged your sign. I just read about it, and I’m ashamed this happened in our community. I’ll be by tomorrow to donate some money to assist with repairs.

Greetings friends, I just wanted to extend my condolences on what some awful person/ people have done to your place. Please know that you have a lot of support and respect in the community, so don’t let this negativity hinder your faith in people. Keep on keeping on. Fight the good fight.

Best wishes,

I was appalled to hear of the vandalism of your sign. I’m a Redmond resident, and I don’t want that kind of intolerance, fear, and hatred in my town. I am happy that you are a part of our community, and if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. I’d be happy to contribute to a fund to replace/repair the sign.

We are members of Congregation Kol Ami in Woodinville who are appalled to hear of this recent vandalism. Please let us know what we can do to help you. As Jews, we know that the rise of the Nazis in Germany began with harassment of the Jews like this, and we want to join with you and many others to publicly oppose those who condone such bigoted, un-American activities.

I am so sorry your mosque was vandalized, please know that there are many people in the Puget Sound and the East Side who stand with you against the hate unleashed by the recent election.

Good afternoon,

My husband and I live in the Redmond area and attend a gym around the corner from the mosque. Today we heard about vandalism at the mosque and wanted to reach out and see if there was anything we could do to support you at this time. We want you to know that this act is not a representation of our community and that you are welcomed and appreciated! Your community is behind you and won’t stand for this kind of intolerance.

Regards,

Good afternoon.

I just read an article about the damage to your sign. I wanted to voice my support of you and my disgust at such a despicable act. I am glad to see you are able to increase security at your building, though I hope sincerely you will not need it. Stay safe, and know your community supports you and stands with you (even those of us over in West Seattle!).

Hello Muslim Friends,

I am shocked and saddened by the destruction of the sign at your mosque. This (and other horrible discriminatory crimes and speech) must be terrifying and extremely disturbing for you and your loved ones. It frightens non-muslims too. This show of hate and violence is disgraceful and sickening. This does not represent me (as a non-Muslim) nor any decent person. This effects our entire community. I have you in my thoughts and I hope and work for less hate and more love and understanding.

As-salamu alaykum.

Bellevue, WA

Greetings!

I am so sorry to hear of the recent vandalism and I’ve made a small donation to try to help with repairs. As a non-Muslim and mother of a two-year-old, I would like to visit the mosque sometime and perhaps attend a prayer service with my son and husband. We want our son to be exposed to all religions and especially want to attend your mosque. However, I do not want to be disrespectful nor do I want to make anybody uncomfortable with our presence during prayer.. I have to traveled to Muslim countries and visited mosques so I know that I will cover my head, but other than that, what kind of arrangements do you make for non-Muslims who want to visit? No hurry in getting back to me. Know that our hearts are with you during this time and hopefully we will be able to visit sometime in the new year.

Blessings and love,

Hello.

I’m just reaching out to say I hope your mosque has not been targeted by any sort of hate groups, especially in light of recent election results. And that if you ever are or feel like you need allies, or if there is some sort of way to better show my support for American Muslims in this scary time, I’m here. You all are part of my community and I’m offering my support in any way I can give it.

Thanks.

Hello, I am so sorry to hear of the hateful incident at your mosque. I thought we were a kind community and this distresses me. I send you love and peace. It is my goal to foster lovingkindness and acceptance in our community. We cannot allow hate to stand.

Sincerely,

 The vandalism of your sign

My husband and I are so sorry about what happened to your sign, of the fear that it may cause. I’m sorry that hateful rhetoric has taken over a few people. Please know you have allies. If you need assistance, for a visible show of support for example or whatever, please contact me. I thank God for the good work you do.

May Allah bless you every day.