In the wake of the May 18 shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that took the lives of three community members, The Children’s Partnership would like to express our grief as we stand in solidarity with the Muslim community and all children, families, and community members whose sense of safety has been shattered.
Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha, and Nader Awad lost their lives in this hate-fueled attack. They did so to protect the 140 children attending school at the Islamic Center that day. Their heroic actions remind us that community goes beyond the walls of one family’s home – that all children are our children.
Unfortunately, this kind of violence – which took away children’s protectors – was the predictable consequence of a national climate that has normalized anti-Muslim rhetoric and treated the dehumanization of communities as acceptable political discourse. We call on leaders at every level to denounce Islamophobia wherever it appears, especially from elected officials.
At The Children’s Partnership, we believe every child, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or place of birth, deserves to grow up healthy, safe, and valued. When they encounter bigotry and hatred, it causes real harm to their mental health, their sense of belonging, and their ability to thrive. We must confront the hate that endangers children and build communities where no one fears for their safety at school, at worship, or at play. This includes fighting for policies that invest in the mental health, safety, and dignity of every child.
Below are links to efforts to support the victims’ families, as well as resources for talking with the young children in your life about the incident:
Donations
This fundraiser is organized by CAIR-San Diego together with the Islamic Center of San Diego. Funds will cover funeral costs, immediate household needs, children’s education, long-term financial stability for surviving spouses, and trauma counseling for those left behind.
Islamic Center of San Diego Support Fund
The Islamic Center of San Diego has established the Official ICSD Victim & Family Support Fund for individuals and families impacted by the shooting incident at the ICSD mosque campus. This fund will help provide direct assistance and recovery support for those affected, according to the center.
Kid-friendly resources
Talking to your children
Children need to hear that people in government and grown-ups they don’t even know are working hard to keep them safe. This article offers ideas on how to talk to younger children and things you can do to put them at ease in trying times.
When something scary happens PBS videos
Watch clips and songs from some favorite KPBS shows like “Arthur,” “Mister Rogers,” “Dinosaur Train,” and more. Learn how these characters have coped with hard times.
Sesame Street resources on violence
Helping young children understand and cope with the effects of violence is hard, but there are ways to help them feel safer and more secure. Luckily, “Sesame Street” has been there.
