My Neighbor

Shortly after September 11th, I was helped by a Muslim man named Ali when my vehicle became disabled.

As we stood together waiting for my battery to charge, I confronted him with fears and assumptions formed in the aftermath of the attacks.

He responded with patience and kindness.

He shared his perspective, offered me a translated copy of the Quran, and reminded me that labels often hide the humanity standing in front of us.

A stranger became a neighbor.