© radyahanom
Sebastian Robins has probably heard it before. He and his wife Mona Haydar have gained local fame in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for setting up a booth on the street and fielding questions from strangers about all things Islam.
"We were really afraid the first time, up to the point where we considered notifying the police," Robins told Fusion about the couple's unconventional idea.
"I never really realized how people stared at you," he would tell his wife.
Robins, a white American, converted to Islam in 2012 after meeting his wife, a Syrian American Muslim from Flint, Michigan, on a trip to New Mexico. A few months ago, in the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, the two of them started putting up their booth around town "to conquer fear through conversation," as Haydar put it. The couple's idea has been successful beyond their imagination, helping them spread love and awareness and even inspiring others around the country to do the same.
"We love it if you can just break bread with us," said Haydar, who offers free coffee, donuts, and flowers along with her conversation. "Take a moment out of your day and hang out with us."
Comment: The smallest gestures may have huge effects. Kudos to Mona and Sebastian for their creativity and courage.