Actions of few don't represent all of Islam

I want to take this opportunity to give my thoughts and prayers to the victims of the horrible attacks in Brussels, as well as their loved ones.

As a convert to Islam born in America, I feel it is important to stand with fellow Muslims in denouncing this violence, and in differentiating it from true Islam.

Further, I believe that talk of "Muslim neighborhoods" and statements that "Islam hates us" only serves to further tensions between the civilized and the extremists. There are three million Muslims in the United States who do not and should not live in separate neighborhoods, and the actions of a few dozen do not represent an entire religion.

On the other hand, if we can show that we are not prejudiced toward a race or followers of a religion, we can stem the tide of propaganda that ends in this kind of violence.

Aaron Gage

Naperville