By now you have probably heard about the Coptic Christian family found slain in their home in Jersey City. Some are speculating that the murders were due to the father's online criticism of Muslims, while others think it may have something to do with a tenant dispute. At this point, certainly, it's important not to make assumptions. At any rate, Rick Levanthal covered the funeral and has posted a moving description of it:
The mourners walked slowly passed[sic] us in the morning processional to the church, some wailing, others softly singing. Two women, both related to Amal Garas, were inconsolable. They cried and screamed and slapped themselves. One man bear-hugged the woman crying hardest, and wrestled her from the procession, trying to calm her down. I had to jump out of the way. His efforts didn't help, and she fought her way back to the caskets while hitting herself so hard repeatedly in the face, it hurt me.
No one should have to live in fear of suffering this fate, for whatever reason. Not for a stupid rental dispute, and not for expression an opinion about someone's religion. I hope that the perpetrator is found -- and brought to justice -- very, very soon.
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