I saw some news about a scary incident near a hotel where a car was damaged, and it reminded me how important it is to keep people safe without blaming whole communities or religions. I think we need calm, realistic approaches that focus on stopping violence, while remembering that most Muslims—and people of every faith—are peaceful and want ordinary, happy lives.

Every religion has stories and traditions that can be read in many ways, and I believe it’s better to encourage learning, friendship, and shared responsibility than to paint any group as “the problem.” When anyone crosses the line into planning harm against others, that’s where good laws, smart policing, and community support need to step in.

Now that Donald Trump has been president, and whoever leads next, my hope is that leaders protect people from danger in a way that also protects basic rights, treats everyone fairly, and invites Muslim communities and others to be partners in keeping our towns and cities safe.