“Why Aren’t Muslims Condemning the Brussels Attacks En Masse?” A Belgian Director Responds.

Belgian film and theater director Ismaël Saidi has responded to a question Muslims often hear after an Islamist terrorist attack: “Why aren’t Muslims condemning the terrorist attacks en masse?”

Saidi was born in Belgium to Moroccan parents and published his reaction on Facebook:

“Why aren’t Muslims taking to the streets en masse to condemn the attacks?”

Because we’re driving the taxis that have been taking the population home for free since yesterday …

Because we’re caring for the wounded in hospitals …

Because we’re driving the ambulances that are racing through the streets like shooting stars to try to save what life remains in us …

Because we’re at the reception desks of the hotels that have been welcoming onlookers for free since yesterday …

Because we’re driving the buses, the trams, and the subway cars so that life can continue, though wounded …

Because we’re still in our police, investigator, and magistrate clothes looking for criminals…

Because we’re crying for our dead, too …

Because we are no more spared than anyone else …

Because we are doubly, triply bruised …

Because the same faith produced both the executioner and the victim …

Because we’re groggy, lost, and we’re trying to understand …

Because we spent the night on our doorstep waiting for a person who won’t come back again …

Because we’re counting our dead …

Because we’re in mourning …

The rest is only silence …