Building Relationships Of Trust And Understanding Between Law Enforcement And The Muslim Community (Photo)
- 09/30/26
16 years ago, the Salman Alfarisi Islamic Center in Corvallis was the subject of an arson attack. While the suspect was quickly identified and held to account, many in the local Muslim community were at first distrustful of federal law enforcement officers and prosecutors investigating the case. Mozafar Wanly, a longtime member of the local Muslim community, worked to change those opinions. By the time the investigation was concluded, most saw the federal agents as allies who were working for their safety and to protect and support their religious freedoms.
From that time forward, Wanly has continued his work to build relationships of trust and understanding between law enforcement and members of the Muslim community. In keeping with an annual tradition he started not long after the arson, he recently hosted a lunch for local prosecutors, state and federal law enforcement leaders, and friends and family from the Muslim community.
Benton County District Attorney Ryan Joslin, who assisted in planning the event, addressed the group. Joslin recounted first working with Wanly some ten years ago to resolve a criminal case involving a college student who was Muslim. Wanly helped to provide culturally relevant information that led to a just resolution. Joslin also recounted how Wanly, a jujitsu black belt, provided jujitsu training to a Christian youth group mentored by Joslin. “Don’t be deceived by the grandfatherly persona Mozafar puts out. He’s actually pretty tough, and a little bit mean,” Joslin joked. He also commented on how Wanly has worked to build friendships with others in the community, frequently inviting them into his home, including the Rabbi of the local Bet Am Jewish synagogue. “We hear in the news of contention, hate and violence relating to religious, cultural or political differences. This small group here today probably cannot affect things at the national or international level. I do believe we can have an influence for good in our own communities. I would encourage us to leave today with a resolve to start conversations, look for commonalities and model kindness and generosity to those with whom we have differences.”
Building Relationships Of Trust And Understanding Between Law Enforcement And The Muslim Community (Photo)
- 09/30/26
16 years ago, the Salman Alfarisi Islamic Center in Corvallis was the subject of an arson attack. While the suspect was quickly identified and held to account, many in the local Muslim community were at first distrustful of federal law enforcement officers and prosecutors investigating the case. Mozafar Wanly, a longtime member of the local Muslim community, worked to change those opinions. By the time the investigation was concluded, most saw the federal agents as allies who were working for their safety and to protect and support their religious freedoms.
From that time forward, Wanly has continued his work to build relationships of trust and understanding between law enforcement and members of the Muslim community. In keeping with an annual tradition he started not long after the arson, he recently hosted a lunch for local prosecutors, state and federal law enforcement leaders, and friends and family from the Muslim community.
Benton County District Attorney Ryan Joslin, who assisted in planning the event, addressed the group. Joslin recounted first working with Wanly some ten years ago to resolve a criminal case involving a college student who was Muslim. Wanly helped to provide culturally relevant information that led to a just resolution. Joslin also recounted how Wanly, a jujitsu black belt, provided jujitsu training to a Christian youth group mentored by Joslin. “Don’t be deceived by the grandfatherly persona Mozafar puts out. He’s actually pretty tough, and a little bit mean,” Joslin joked. He also commented on how Wanly has worked to build friendships with others in the community, frequently inviting them into his home, including the Rabbi of the local Bet Am Jewish synagogue. “We hear in the news of contention, hate and violence relating to religious, cultural or political differences. This small group here today probably cannot affect things at the national or international level. I do believe we can have an influence for good in our own communities. I would encourage us to leave today with a resolve to start conversations, look for commonalities and model kindness and generosity to those with whom we have differences.”