RI groups hold vigil in honor of Muslim refugees, immigrants

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Two Rhode Island groups held a vigil Thursday night in Providence to show support for Muslims, including refugees and immigrants.

Following terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, anti-Muslim comments have made headlines.

"We wanted to stand out here to say not everyone is full of hate or fear and we stand with you in love," Martha Yager of the American Friends Service Committee said.

Her organization joined with Jewish Voice for Peace RI Thursday evening for the vigil.

Standing in the darkness on Elmwood Avenue outside the Dorcas International Institute, they held signs in protest.

One sign read, "Hate is not working. Let us see what love can do."

"If we combat our fears by creating walls and dividing people, then our fears actually grow," said Ellen Quaadgras, the minister of Westminster Unitarian Church.

Some of the protesters said they welcome refugees and immigrants and stand in solidarity, even after anti-Muslim sentiment.

"I have a friend who was severely harassed in the grocery store," Yager said. "I have another friend who was yelled at on the street. I have friends that have been called ugly names because they're wearing a hijab."

Lee Clasper-Torch said he was "very distressed" by anti-Muslim rhetoric.

"I think it's anti-American," Clasper-Torch said. "It's un-American and it totally goes against the grain, the spirit of what this country is about."

Protesters said that is especially true in Rhode Island.

"Rhode Island was founded on religious freedom and people fleeing religious persecution," Yager said.

Quaadgras said she has not seen evidence of anti-Muslim actions in Rhode Island but is still concerned.

"What I think about is the people who are Muslim who live here and listen to the news and who wonder about the looks of the people who see them," Quaadgras said. "I want them to know that we're on their side."