Ten years after 9–11, freedom has a whole new meaning. Freedom for me is to embrace and honor my multiple identities — an Arab, a Muslim, but first and foremost, an American without suspicion, fear and doubt from my fellow Americans, freedom to speak candidly and constructively about ineffective government policies without my patriotism being questioned.
I have come to realize that freedom is about love — loving courageously. Love allows those around you to be free to love you back and engage with you to make things better for all.
Linda Sarsour is Director of the Arab American Association of New York.
