Two Opportunities for Astoria to Just Say NO to Hate – Rally and Peace Demonstration

As you likely have heard, a terrible crime was committed here in Astoria—shop owner Sarker Haque of Fatima Food Mart on 21st Avenue was verbally and physically assaulted because he is a Muslim. We here at We Heart Astoria are deeply troubled by such hateful behavior—this does not represent the Astoria we know.

We know many of you are outraged at this crime. Here are a couple things you can do:

Rally of Support. Councilman Costa Constantindes’s office has organized a rally in support of Sarker Haque:

Join us for a rally of support of our Muslim community tomorrow [12/10/15]. All are invited to stand with us, Senator Michael Gianaris, Senator Jose Peralta, Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, and the Muslim American Society tomorrow at 11:30am at 21-37 21st Avenue.

This week a man was assaulted in Astoria due to his religious beliefs. This targeted assault is unconscionable and is the antithesis of what Astoria is all about. The strength of our community lies in our diversity. This small business owner is part of the fabric of our neighborhood and we all condemn this hate crime. Join us tomorrow to show that we won’t tolerate this behavior.

Peace Demonstration. Anne-Margaret Redding of the Giving Tree Yoga Studio has organized a peaceful demonstration tomorrow at Fatima Food Mart. More from her:

In response to last Saturday’s hate crime in our neighborhood, The Giving Tree is hosting a peaceful demonstration tomorrow night in Astoria. Tomorrow morning there will be a press conference and they will announce the Meditation for Peace. Please spread the word so we can show our support for Haque and demonstrate that we will not tolerate this kind of behavior.

MEDITATION FOR PEACE: The community of Astoria responds to hate crime on Muslim small business owner with peaceful demonstration.

WHY: Last Saturday (12/5), Astoria small business owner, Sarker Haque, was the victim of a hate crime when he was physically assaulted as his attacker screamed ‘I kill Muslims’.

DATE: 12/10/15

TIME: 6-7pm

LOCATION: Fatima Food Mart 21-37 21st Avenue/23rd Street in Astoria

INSTRUCTIONS: Please arrive quietly and congregate in front of Fatima Food Mart. As this is a meditation, please stand or sit quietly meditating on peace. A bell will ring to begin the meditation and will ring again to complete it.

You can also join the Facebook group Love Fatima Food Mart, where some organizing is taking place.

One Comment

Jack December 10th, 2015

I live right down the street from Sarker’s store. i wasn’t able to attend the rally, but I stopped in to express my support just now. I’ve gone in there so many times for beer, butter, milk, whatever it is you need from a bodega. Sarker is a nice fellow with a nice demeanor- I’m ashamed a fellow Astorian punched and abused him, but I’m proud of Astoria for supporting him. MUSLIMS are NOT the problem- BAD PEOPLE and VIOLENT PEOPLE are the problem.

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