March 25, 2019

On Saturday, March 23rd, following the terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders visited the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) to pay his respects to our American Muslim community. We brought together interfaith and Muslim leaders, along with community members for a moving display of unity.

As a United States Senator, Mr. Sanders is the highest ranking US official to visit a mosque since the New Zealand attacks. He spoke eloquently against xenophobia, a threat to all Americans.

It’s a testament to our community’s openness that any guest, whether a public official or a neighbor, can walk into a mosque and feel at home simply through our shared humanity and experience. We integrate our faith fluidly.

For thirty years we’ve been building access and inroads into the highest offices in America to ensure that the concerns of American Muslims are being heard, addressed, and acted upon. The access we’ve cultivated is critical in creating the change we seek. Whether it’s ensuring the safety of worshippers at a mosque, synagogue, church or temple, or pushing back against racism and bigotry, these relationships amplify our values and give our community representation where it matters most--in the arena of public policy.

Thank you to all who attended.