LYNNWOOD — Naser Dakhil’s story is that of an American immigrant.
It resonates 40 years later.
Dakhil, 56, left Libya in 1977 to escape the regime of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. He traveled to the United States and studied civil engineering at the University of Washington.
“We feared for our lives if we went back,” he said. “That’s why we stayed.”
Dakhil became a U.S. citizen and now lives in Lynnwood. He is a board member at the Evergreen Islamic Institute.
Not everyone can follow his path.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order Jan. 27 barring people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States.
The order prohibits anyone from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from coming into the U.S. for 90 days. All refugees are barred for 120 days; and Syrian refugees indefinitely.
U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle temporarily halted the the order Friday.
Trump said he was trying to keep out radical Islamic terrorists. Dakhil said there are other means of addressing terrorism.
On Friday, Dakhil and others invited the Lynnwood Police Department to visit the Evergreen Islamic Institute.
Lynnwood Police Chief Tom Davis and some of his command staff attended Friday’s prayer service. About 300 men, women and a few wiggly kids sat cross-legged in the mosque.
The police officers and those who attend the mosque tried to demystify their roles within the community.
“Islam is the least understood religion in our community,” said Ismail Ahmed, a religious adviser at the Evergreen Islamic Institute. “It’s our responsibility to explain so that people will understand.”
Ahmed spoke during the prayer service about harmony.
“Muslims, wherever they are and whoever they are, stand for peace,” he said.
The golden rule, a lesson taught in the Quran, too, encourages treating others with kindness and transcends any divisions between religions, Ahmed said.
After Sept. 11, someone threw paint over the mosque’s sign out front.
People from churches in south Snohomish County showed up to help clean up the mess.
On Friday, members from Trinity Lutheran Church and Pointe of Grace lined the driveway leading to the mosque. They held signs in support of their neighbors.
“One nation. One God. Indivisible. Liberty and freedom for all,” one sign read.
A child held a sign that read, “I am your friend.”
Davis told the congregation they also have support from the police department and city leaders.
Lynnwood last week approved a resolution declaring the community a “safe and welcoming” place for everyone.
The police department also has started a new program called “cops and clergy.” It aims to build relationships with the faith community and to find out how officers can be of better service. The first meeting is next week.
Davis on Friday spoke of eliminating barriers for people of the Islamic faith who may be interested in a career in law enforcement. For example, Lynnwood police officers now can wear a hijab, a yarmulke and other dress.
Trump’s executive order has prompted diverse responses.
Protests erupted across the country. A march held in Edmonds on Sunday drew about 100 people, mostly women. About 3,000 people gathered at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Jan. 28.
At the mosque, Dakhil and others counsel people to have faith.
“We have to be patient and wait and see,” he said.
Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.
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