To the Editor:

I am submitting below a letter concerning a lecture titled "Your American Muslim Neighbor" that was given on Feb. 14, 2016, at the Brookline Fire Station.

"Your American Muslim Neighbor"

I was very disappointed to find that Ms. Ibrahim gave very few facts about the Muslim/Islamic "religion." My point of view about this presentation is characterized by distrust and confusion. I found it difficult to follow what she was saying while she simultaneously laughed and smiled. Not that those things did not complement one another, but rather she just came across as phony or insincere.

Ms. Ibrahim gave very little information, or encouraged in any way, questions to be raised about the violence and terror attacks that have taken place here, as well as all over the world. She chose not to answer questions that had any negative connotations. She did, however, say that it would be impossible for us to understand the true meaning of the Quran, unless we understood Arabic, as there were so many interpretations.

When Muslims come here to live, they have to appear to "assimilate" or blend, if you will, so of course they appear just like you and me. If they are just like you and me, then what is all the trouble about in Europe?

Should we be concerned about Sharia law? Why were our pastors from our local churches not invited to this event? Does the Brookline Library Committee think it necessary to invite our neighbors of other faiths to weigh in on the significance of Harmony Week? Seems to me that other faiths should have been represented here. After all, we are a tolerant and diverse community, aren’t we?

I was hoping that Ms. Ibrahim could help me to understand what the Quran requires when a Muslim chooses to leave the religion. And how do Muslims refer to us all who are not of the Muslim faith? Are we referred to as "nonbelievers"? Would Ms. Ibrahim like to see Sharia law implemented in Brookline? How would that work exactly? These are the questions that ran through my mind as I sat and listened to her presentation.

Toward the end of her presentation, Ms. Ibrahim expressed the importance of keeping our borders open. I think the issue of open borders needs serious consideration. I do believe, FOR NOW, that not all Muslims want to do harm to us or kill us, but so far, ALL jihadi-type terrorist/violent attacks have been perpetrated by Muslims and Muslim extremists.

For more information on Muslims and the Quran, go to www.thereligionofpeace.com/pages/quran/violence.aspx.

Janet Hicks

Hollis