‘I’m a Muslim and I’m just like you’

On Saturday night, BU students gathered at Marsh Plaza to mourn.

The Vigil for Peace originally started as a time to mourn the losses in Paris, and was renamed after multiple students brought up other things which happened in the world over the last few days.

These included the attacks in Beirut on Friday, a small earthquake in Mexico and a large one in Japan, and a suicide bomber who killed 18 people at a funeral, things they said were not covered enough by the media.

The vigil, held on Saturday night, had a few speakers address the crowd while students passed out candles.

Despite the wind’s attempt to blow the candles out, lighters were used just as many times to light them back up.

It was a smaller group of us huddling together.

It felt almost surreal – the cold wind constantly blowing, 50 or so tea light candles cupped in the hands of students, the words of a few and their cries for peace, love, and acceptance.

Mackenzie, the organizer of the vigil said: “It’s up to us to diffuse these tensions, and I believe we can because tonight we stand here together, unified by the idea that love can change the world and bring peace.”

Ibrahim, a speaker at the event, reflected on how he is seen through his religion.

He said: “I am a Muslim and I denounce these acts of terror in Paris, Beirut, and Baghdad. I am a Muslim, but I am not a terrorist.”

“I am just like you. I might be a Muslim, but I’m also a human being. Al Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, they do not represent me, they don’t represent my faith. They are not Muslim. I am a Muslim and I’m just like you.”