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Roanoke Times – December 28, 2006
Muslims are Americans, too
Shanna Flowers
Just in time for the season of good will toward men, U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode caused a national furor with a controversial letter blasting Muslims and immigration.
Mike Jawhar, a third-generation American and a Muslim, understandably took umbrage.
Jawhar, a surgeon at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital, is one of Goode's 5th District constituents.
"To imply that by a certain religion, a certain set of values that you're less of a citizen is offensive," said Jawhar, 36, who lives in Rocky Mount and is of Palestinian descent. "As a Muslim, it doesn't change the fact that I'm an American.
"It doesn't make it any more his country than mine. I was born in Richmond, Virginia.". . .
Jawhar's great-grandfather entered this country at Ellis Island, N.Y. His grandfather served in World War I. Jawhar attended Old Dominion University and is a graduate of Eastern Virginia Medical School. His brother is a professor at ODU and a sister is a schoolteacher.
It doesn't get any more all-American than that. And yes, Jawhar's accomplished family members are Muslims, too.
"He doesn't realize. . .," the physician said of Goode, his voice trailing off.
"What does it do to Muslims who are here? The last thing we need is an elected official saying we don't want Muslims here. We value this society.
"This Muslim is here providing a service in your community," Jawhar said.
http://www.roanoke.com/columnists/flowers/wb/wb/xp-97680
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