Local Muslim community reacts to Paris attacks

The attacks in Paris have caused some to blame Islam while some Muslims have taken to social media to proclaim ISIS does not represent Islam.

So how are local Muslims reacting?

ABC-7 spoke with a representative from the Dialogue Institute of the Southwest, Sabri Agachan.

He condemns what happened in Paris.

“ISIS do not act Islamically, they act politically,” Agachan said.

Agachan said that after the attacks on Paris, El Pasoans haven’t had a strong, negative reaction to the Muslim community.

He says education is the key to preventing that backlash.

He cited an old adage which says that people fear what they don’t know.

“What we need to do is get together, eat together, talk together, become friends, and explain about the misunderstandings,” Agachan said.

Agachan says community members should try participating in the Muslim community to see how friendly, peaceful, and hospitable they can be.