The Islamic Center of San Diego is seeing an outpouring of community unity and support as members continue to grieve after three people were killed in a recent tragedy. The center’s front entrance has become a memorial site filled with flowers, photos of victims, and messages of support from neighbors.
Imam Taha Hassane of the Islamic Center of San Diego said the community’s outpouring reflects broader compassion.
“Any act of love, showing love and support, is really appreciated,” Hassane said.
He described seeing people gather at the mosque to pay respects and connect with one another.
“I see a lot of people coming. Maybe their only way now to express their support to the community is [by] bringing flowers and spending some time, having [a] conversation. I’ve seen a lot of people having conversations on this sidewalk,” Hassane said.
For those wanting to help, Hassane encouraged people to reach out to Muslim friends, neighbors, classmates, or coworkers during this difficult time. Those who want to assist victims’ families can contact the mosque directly.
“They can contact us here at the Islamic Center of San Diego, and whatever type of help they can offer, we will accommodate them,” he said.
Muslim Leadership Council of San Diego President Abdullah Tahiri also spoke with News 8 about some of the ways the broader community can help.
“You know, in our religious tradition, God tells us in the Holy Quran that I have created you of different nations and tribes so that way you may know to understand one another. So what we’re asking the broader community is to give us an opportunity to get to know you and get to know us, give us grace, and let’s break bread and not break each other down,” Tahiri said.
Tahiri also emphasized the role of community members in holding elected officials accountable.
“When our elected officials, whether state, local, or federal, ignore us, marginalize the communities, the Muslim communities across the nation, it feeds into that narrative that we don’t belong here, and it feeds into this machinery of Islamophobia, so I think our allies, our community members play a huge role…” Tahiri said.
He also mentioned the need for mental health support following the shooting at a school. He pointed out how the tragedy has affected children, teachers, administrators, and families who are coping with trauma.
“So that way we have a game plan which have already started the process, that we want to make sure that those resources are available now as well as we move forward,”
The Muslim Leadership Council is specifically asking mental health professionals to reach out and provide support for those impacted.