Bernie Sanders invites hijabi onstage

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By Aatif Ali Bokhari

TMO Managing Editor

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) invited a Muslim student to share the stage with him during a speech at Fairfax, VA, last Wednesday.

“As an American Muslim student who aspires to change the world currently majoring in International Conflict Analysis and Resolution — and I hope to be a human rights attorney — hearing the rhetoric that’s going on in the media makes me sick,” George Mason University senior Remaz Abdelgader told Sanders, adding. “As an individual, I’m constantly trying to raise awareness and make sure that everyone is treated equally in this country. As the next president of the United States, what do you think about that?”

Think Progress reported, “As Abdelgader spoke, Sanders invited her toward the stage and hugged her. As she finished her question, the senator led her to his podium by the hand before delivering his answer.”

“Let me be very personal here if I may. I’m Jewish,” said Sanders. “My father’s family died in the concentration camps. I will do everything that I can to rid this country of the ugly stain of racism which has existed for far too many years. And let me tell you something. What racism is about is many, many things. It is pent-up hatred, it is lashing out at people in uncontrollable ways, but it is something very different than that. …

“You are right, there is a lot of anger being generated, a lot of hatred being generated against Muslims in this country, that’s absolutely correct. There is hatred being generated against immigrants in this country. And if you stand for anything we have got to stand together and end all forms of racism, and I will lead that effort as president of the United States.”

WATCH:

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