Today's letters: criticizing Donald Trump & defending Dr. Erol Veznedaroglu
As a Muslim U.S. citizen I want to echo the sentiment of the Muslim Community that is now a target of Donald Trumps's slander following the terrorist act in San Bernardino that is a misrepresentation of Islamic Faith.
Islam promotes peaceful, tolerant and harmonious co-existence of people of all faiths. The Quran states that slaying of one innocent human being amounts to slaying of all Humankind.
"Jihad" does not mean Holy War. It is misunderstood, misconstrued and misapplied. Its literary meaning is "to strive" and "to exert effort" for self-purification and striving for goodness in our relationship with others.
The media's focus on prayer beads, prayer plaques and the Quran is misleading. These articles do not contribute to the image of radical and terroristic behavior but are objects that signify a faith just as much as pictures of Christ or Mother Mary would in Christian homes.
Trump's proposition to ban all Muslims from entering the country is ridiculous and in itself, Radical. It incites, ignites, promotes and provokes fear and hatred in the hearts and minds of the civilians against their Muslim neighbors, coworkers and friends. This capitalizing approach is only adding fuel to fire rather than provide reassurance to Muslims and non-Muslims of the country alike.
So, fellow Muslims lets become more vocal in our support for safety, security, solidarity and peace and come together to show real Muslim, law abiding behavior, for there is no Radical Islam. There are radicals in Islam, just like in any other faith.
Nausheen Ahmed
North Brunswick
I am deeply saddened to the point of not sleeping about the misguided lawsuit filed by Capital Health against one of the nation's most experienced and caring neurosurgeons. Dr. Erol Veznedaroglu leads a team of neurosurgeons that has saved countless lives in New Jersey and I am just baffled at the highly personal attack in him by Capital Health's CEO.
I am a volunteer for the neurosciences institute and have known Dr. Veznedaroglu for many years. His focus is always on patients and their families. He is kind and helpful and has brought the latest innovations in brains surgery to save lives and restore health to people in our state. What is Capital Health thinking?
This lawsuit is a waste of money. The hospital should do everything to keep Dr. Veznedaroglu and this experienced team here in New Jersey. We don't want to go back to the days when people in New Jersey with time-sensitive brain emergencies had to be transported in helicopters or ambulances to Philadelphia. Capital Health CEO Al Maghazehe needs to re-think this misguided strategy. Lives are at stake.
Andrea Lewis
Hamilton
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