MOORHEAD – A Facebook group created by a Moorhead Muslim man and his former Fargo South High School English teacher is addressing misconceptions about Muslims in our region and it already has hundreds of members.
Shinwar Mayi and Carol Seim came up with the idea for the group Fargo-Moorhead Muslims and Friends Against ISIS. They say they thought of it while talking about a man recently accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Mapleton gas station. They say some people have been jumping to conclusions since he allegedly mumbled something in Arabic.
The two say they want to create a platform for Muslims to voice their concerns and to educate people. They say the goal is for Muslims and Christians to unite and stand up against what ISIS is doing.
"ISIS wants to create a division between Christians and Muslims where what I want to do is to create a unity, a solidarity, where we can all voice the same concerns and stand up to these inhumane acts," Mayi said.
"To have people aware that there are other people in the community who feel the same way that we do. That there are many Muslims that are just peaceful loving people and there are many Americans who support them," Seim said.
ADVERTISEMENT
The group's creators say they hope to hold events and work with the local mosque and Christian organizations. They say they also want to address misconceptions about refugees. Mayi was a refugee from northern Iraq 24 years ago.
