Muslim teenager leaves poignant handwritten letter on London bus over Westminster attack
The 14-year-old said she felt 'almost guilty' and was afraid of passing through Westminster bridge now
Flowers are placed at the scene of an attack on Westminster Bridge, in London, Britain March 24, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS
A Muslim teenager left a poignant letter on a London bus describing the range of emotions she experienced after the March 22 attack at Westminster.
The anonymous letter has since gone viral through social media site Reddit. "I am a Londoner aged 14-years-old I also happen to be a black Muslim," the letter reads.
This image of Muslim woman went viral for all the wrong reasons
It elaborates how Muslims in London felt after it was discovered that the attacker was a Muslim convert. Poignantly detailing the shock and trauma while anticipating blame for the incident, the teenager writes: "The next day I woke up early and I was watching the news it dawned on me that I would go into school and people would expect answers."
"I went into form and as we spoke about the current affairs I felt all eyes on me. I felt flushed and not suddenly - almost guilty? What do I have to be guilty for? I couldn't determine if I was being paranoid or eyes were darting to the corner of the room to where I was sitting," the teenager adds.
Islamic State claims responsibility for British parliament attack
She went on to describe being scared to pass through Westminster bridge - a path she took every week. "Every Saturday I pass through Westminster and I had to think twice about it this time. I was scared that maybe I would be assaulted because of the many labels that come with wearing a hijab."
The young girl, who wants to become a lawyer one day, said that she hoped for peace. "What I feel is too much for me to express on paper and I hope I have communicated my message well to whoever is reading this. My last hope like the hopes of many others is peace."
She ended the letter with a glimmer of hope that someone somewhere would understand the apprehensions Muslims feel.
Her message managed to move many, with people commenting over the post on Reddit.
"Genuinely heartbreaking to have read that a 14-year-old Muslim girl feels this way. Hopefully, with our actions, both Muslim and non-Muslim, together we can show she doesn't have to feel this way :)" wrote user YahyaYahyaYahya
The anonymous letter has since gone viral through social media site Reddit. "I am a Londoner aged 14-years-old I also happen to be a black Muslim," the letter reads.
This image of Muslim woman went viral for all the wrong reasons
It elaborates how Muslims in London felt after it was discovered that the attacker was a Muslim convert. Poignantly detailing the shock and trauma while anticipating blame for the incident, the teenager writes: "The next day I woke up early and I was watching the news it dawned on me that I would go into school and people would expect answers."
"I went into form and as we spoke about the current affairs I felt all eyes on me. I felt flushed and not suddenly - almost guilty? What do I have to be guilty for? I couldn't determine if I was being paranoid or eyes were darting to the corner of the room to where I was sitting," the teenager adds.
Islamic State claims responsibility for British parliament attack
She went on to describe being scared to pass through Westminster bridge - a path she took every week. "Every Saturday I pass through Westminster and I had to think twice about it this time. I was scared that maybe I would be assaulted because of the many labels that come with wearing a hijab."
The young girl, who wants to become a lawyer one day, said that she hoped for peace. "What I feel is too much for me to express on paper and I hope I have communicated my message well to whoever is reading this. My last hope like the hopes of many others is peace."
She ended the letter with a glimmer of hope that someone somewhere would understand the apprehensions Muslims feel.
Her message managed to move many, with people commenting over the post on Reddit.
"Genuinely heartbreaking to have read that a 14-year-old Muslim girl feels this way. Hopefully, with our actions, both Muslim and non-Muslim, together we can show she doesn't have to feel this way :)" wrote user YahyaYahyaYahya
"I am hoping you left it behind for someone else to read. I am very self-conscious and try not to draw attention to myself. I can't imagine how difficult it is for a 14-yr-old wearing a hijab and travelling through London on buses and trains. She is very strong to stick with her faith and choices she makes," said Mofarahesque