At this time of heightened bigotry, there has been a rise in events hosted by Muslims that are designed to help dispel misconceptions and bring Muslims and non-Muslims together. One New Hampshire man, Robert Azzi, has begun a series of “Ask a Muslim Anything” events, which he has been leading at community centers, churches, and town halls across New Hampshire. The events give him the chance to teach people about his faith and reach out to neighbors, but the positive response he’s received from these events also give him a sense of hope. He says: “It reinforces in me that these are really good people… You know, the haters aren’t here. The haters don’t come out. This is a Muslim town hall. I’ve never used that line before, but that’s what it is.”
