In a Time of Hatred, These Brave Security Officers Threw Their Lives On the Line To Keep People Safe

It always concerns me to see troubled individuals go out of their way to try and hurt others – especially when they’re so devoured by hate.

It’s far too easy these days. Social media can manipulate someone very easily, or even a personal act could drive them over the edge when they clearly need help.

But at a time when someone could be driven by so much hate, it’s good to see that there are others out there who will do whatever it takes to keep others safe from them.

I’m talking about the synagogue attack that took place in Michigan earlier this week, in which a troubled individuals drove their truck into Temple Israel. They attempted to make their way into the facility to hurt others. Fortunately, however, security officers were at the ready, and managed to kill the suspect before he could do further harm.

The Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, who came into the U.S. back in 2011 after coming from Lebanon. He reportedly lost family in a recent airstrike in Lebanon, which may have elevated his rage against the Jewish community as a result.

Now look. I’ve lost loved ones as well. We all have. It’s never easy. I know there are people are there divided about what’s happening in Israel, and believing so much in Palestine that they’ve decided to take part in violent protests and act out against Jewish people.

But hatred isn’t the answer, folks. It simply isn’t.

We see it every day. People with their own thoughts on others. And some are more violent than others, as we’ve seen across social media and even in real life, with untitled types going out of their way trying to make someone uncomfortable or, worse yet, even intimidate them.

That’s never the answer. It isn’t.

This kind of hatred has resulted in devastating consequences. And the type that some people just don’t come back from.

It reminds me of what’s taken place over the past few months in Minneapolis, with the city essentially utilizing hate to wage war against ICE agents who were working non-stop to keep others safe from illegal immigrant criminals. Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good were two citizens who couldn’t stop themselves from displaying their rage against these agents, and as a result, lost their lives.

It all stems from hatred. Absolute hatred. And unnecessary hatred.

Back to the synagogue attack, the FBI classified it as “a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community,” citing it as “a deeply disturbing and tragic incident.”

But what’s really surprising is that Ghazali, who had been part of the community for nearly two decades, was described as a kind, gentle person who “couldn’t hurt a bug.” But look what happened.

It just stuns me how much hatred can fuel a person. Again, social media is quite the catalyst of this, but some changing scope in the world can also have a negative effect.

All I can say in regard to this is if you have mixed feelings about how you feel about something, by all means, talk to someone. Don’t keep it bottled up. If something bothers you, there are hotlines made for that. You can find friends and family and have a discussion.

Rage is not the answer. Especially when it comes to attacks on communities that clearly don’t deserve it.

Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun said it best. “Everyone deserves to worship in peace, and we must unequivocally condemn any attack on a house of worship or the people within it.”

Amen. These were people seeking peace in a chaotic world, and because this individual didn’t find the solace he desperately needed, they’re now questioning what’s safe anymore.

So I implore you. At a time of hatred, don’t give in. Don’t let it consume you. Talk to someone. And not strangers online who insist that death is the answer. It isn’t. Reach out and take care of yourself.

My thoughts go out to everyone affected by this synagogue attack. And a little bit for Ghazali as well. If hate hadn’t consumed him so much, I can’t help but wonder if he’d still be out there helping the community today.

Remember, folks. Hate – and rage – is never the answer. Please take care of yourselves and each other.

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