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Silver Lining
By priscillafairbank on 2008-08-23 22:53:29
Friday, August 22nd was the fourth anniversary of the arrests of Yassin Aref and Mohammed Hossain, two Muslim men in
Albany who were targeted by a fictitious FBI sting and are now each facing fifteen years in prison. As we gathered to march
and vigil and members of the press were setting up cameras, a young man stopped to ask us what had happened. When we
told him what it was about, he asked, "Was that the man from the pizza shop? He was a nice guy." He declined to join us
because he had to get home to a baby, but I sensed in his response a big "Why?". Why did the government do this to a nice
guy working hard to earn a living in the neighborhood? The crowd grew, signs and banners identifying many diverse
organizations: Muslim Solidarity Committee, Women Against War, Veterans for Peace, Capital District Labor Religion
Coalition, Capital District Interfaith Alliance, plus many more. All were there to show support for Aref and Hossain, their
families and community, and to express hope that the injustice that has been done will be corrected. Before the march
started, Kathy Manley read a very touching statement from Yassin (always eloquent) to his supporters. There was a mix of
emotions. There was sadness and frustration that these men who did no harm have been entrapped and are in prison. The
families, including ten children, have had their lives thrown into turmoil and uncertainty. Many in the community are
fearful. By contrast, there were greetings and hugs of friends who were pleased to see each other and share news. The
group support, the sense of solidarity in an important effort, the feeling of community - these important human needs and
feelings - were very present for me as I marched and vigiled with those gathered. The most profound memory I carry with
me from the gathering was watching Jun San of Grafton Peace Pagoda and several followers who chanted and drummed
throughout the march and vigil. During the vigil, several of Hossain's children, drawn by the pure curiosity of a child,
observed the drumming Buddhists, and were then warmly invited to take one of the drums and become part of the rhythm.
The beautiful smiles on these children said it all. The cultural and religious differences were no barrier for them. As we left,
Jun San was going in the pizza shop to meet Fatima Hossain. From the little I know both women, there would be a beautiful
and deep understanding between them. The different "robes" they each wear, reflecting their respective roles as a Buddhist
nun and a traditional Muslim woman seem to celebrate their diversity; they speak a common language of peace and
understanding. If there can be a silver lining in this tragedy, this is it. Priscilla
