Manchester Islamic High School for Girls (Picture: Google)
A passer-by shouted ‘When are you going to stop bombing people?’ at a 14-year-old girl on her way to an Islamic school in Manchester this week.
She said that the girl had been ‘upset and hurt’ by the comment, but had not replied – which is how she advised her pupils to deal with Islamophobia.The incident was recounted by Manchester Islamic High School for Girls head teacher Mona Mohamed on Radio 4’s Today programme.
Ms Mohamed said, ‘What’s the point of reacting? That’s not the way we’re going to tackle terrorism.’
A woman holds a placard as they take part in a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
A mosque’s door was burned down within hours of the Manchester Arena suicide bombing, prompting fears of a race hate attack in retaliation.
The arson attack happened just a few miles away from the scene of the terrorist attack, which killed 22 people and injured 119.
The 60-year-old said the mosque in Villa Road, Oldham, was targeted at about 2am.Mohammad Saddiq, imam of Jamia Qasmia Zahidia Islamic Centre, said it is ‘sad to see more misery in Manchester’ following the blast after an Ariana Grande concert.
He said: ‘People are upset. The police are looking at CCTV and investigators were here this morning. We’ll definitely need a new door.
They now need a new door (Picture: Mercury)
‘There’s a possibility that it’s a retaliation to what happened in Manchester last night but we can’t confirm that.
‘It’s sad to see more misery in Manchester. What happened last night was terrible but this is not the way to respond.’
Mr Saddiq said nothing like this has happened in the three years he has been involved with the mosque.
Thousands gathered for a vigil in Manchester this evening (Picture: PA)
He added: ‘Last night at around 2am somebody has started a fire through our letterbox. The door is completely burnt down.
‘Very soon after a member of the public was walking past and called the fire brigade. Thankfully nobody was inside at the time.
‘We have no idea why somebody would target us. We are a religious and educational centre.’
Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been contacted for comment.
Does anyone think that shouting hate at 14 year old girls will stop terrorism?
People can be assholes.
How is this newsworthy?
ask them
She's the real victim of the bombing that killed 20 kids.
Do you think you will end terrorism by screaming at schoolchildren?
I think Bob was talking about you.
But Fermit, no one asked you.
It's a discussion site, we are free to comment as we wish. Don't like it? Don't comment.
I didn't suggest preventing you from commenting. I said no one asked you.
When will you stop bombing people?
She should have yelled back "when will you?"
Poor kid. Anyways, what else is new?