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'We're all human beings': Folsom shows solidarity for local mosque following NZ attack

After this week's mosque attack in New Zealand that killed 50 people, some people in Folsom have gone out of their way to show the Muslim community they stand in solidarity with them.

FOLSOM, Calif. — After this week's mosque attack in New Zealand that killed 50 people, some people in Folsom have gone out of their way to show the Muslim community that they stand in solidarity with them.

"I cant say enough good things," said Zaid Ahkter, member of the Muslim Community of Folsom mosque. 

Ahkter told ABC10 they've received dozens of flowers, letters, cards, emails, and messages on social media from Folsom residents. 

"We normally get a lot of messages, negative ones, saying why are you doing this? You're not welcome," Ahkter explained. "The last couple of years, I've noticed those messages are fewer and the push back against those messages are a lot stronger, so I've seen a big change just within the last couple of years." 

Ahkter shared one of the messages he received that said, "Folsom celebrates the beauty in Islam, as Muslims celebrate the beauty in Folsom."

He says it's a good feeling to know his neighbors are there for him and his Muslim brothers and sisters during times like these. 

Credit: Daniela Pardo

"Even though these things happen a long distance away, you can't help but feel sad, and it doesn't matter if they're Muslim or Christian or another religion, but obviously when it's a mosque like your own one, you feel even more deeply impacted, and you just feel a sorrow that I cant describe." 

While Ahkter is grateful for his community's response to the tragedy in New Zealand, he knows there's still a long way to go before everyone is as accepting and tolerant as those who reached out to him. 

"I think it's a great time to remind everyone we're all human beings. We all have very similar aspirations and goals. We want our kids to be good kids. We want safety and security," Ahkter added.

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