American Muslim Women's Empowerment Council Expresses Sympathy for Victims of San Bernardino Tragedy

 

Anila Ali, President of the American Muslim Women's Empowerment Council in Irvine, on Saturday issued this statement: 

It is with grieving hearts that the American Muslim Women’s Empowerment Council (AMWEC) expresses deepest sympathies for the innocent victims of the tragic and senseless massacre in San Bernardino.

The AMWEC board, which includes Pakistani American women, is also troubled to learn that a female of Pakistani decent has been identified as one of the killers in this incident. We, like other Americans cannot comprehend the level of evil behind this plan – the incident has left us paralyzed in grief for the victims and incensed at the heartless nature of this crime.

On April 12th, 2015, we stood with law enforcement and passed a resolution to create a community of Muslim women that will stand against violent extremism and become the first line of defense against radicalization. We acknowledge we have work to do and with growing backlash, our work will be difficult. But we are Americans; we are resilient and we are strong.

We urge all Pakistani women to speak up and unite as Americans, against the claws of radicalization, hatred, and bigotry that have infiltrated our homeland. No excuse or justification is acceptable any longer and we resent statements that put blame on American foreign policy as they marginalize Muslims and will fuel backlash. There can be no excuse or justification for this heinous act of terror.

At this particular time, our Pakistani American hearts bleed with the victims of terrorism in San Bernardino.