Book SummaryWe're In This Together, by Linda Sarsour

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of We're In This Together

Palestinian American Muslim Identity and Family History of the Writer

This section explores Sarsour's multifaceted identity, delving into her upbringing as a child of Palestinian Muslim immigrants and the profound impact of what she underwent in Palestine under Israeli occupation. It sets the stage for her later activism by demonstrating the interwoven threads of her personal history, cultural heritage, and unwavering belief in the ideals of America.

Author's Identity as Child of Palestinian Muslim Immigrants

Linda Sarsour's identity is deeply rooted in her experience as a Muslim with Palestinian and American background. Her parents, driven by the pursuit of the dream of a better life in America, immigrated to the US from Palestine in the 1970s. They sought an environment where freedom and opportunity were paramount, hoping to improve their lives and those of their future family. Throughout Sarsour's childhood, her parents instilled in her a strong sense of Palestinian culture and Islamic values, shaping her outlook and future activism.

Parents Immigrated From Palestine to the U.S. in Pursuit of "the American Dream," Offering a Strong Cultural and Religious Heritage

Sarsour's parents, Nidal (nicknamed "Nick") and her mother, whose name is not mentioned in the text but whom she calls “Yumma” in her language, yearned for the peace and freedom they believed America offered. Leaving a conflict-ridden Palestine behind, they embraced the ideals of a country where hard work and dedication were rewarded with abundance and opportunity. Despite the hardships of adjusting to their new homeland, they held steadfastly to their cultural values and faith, passing these traditions down to Sarsour and her siblings. This included teaching the importance of family, respect for elders, and the core principles of Islam, such as compassion, generosity, and giving back to those in need.

While raised in a vibrant and diverse Brooklyn community, the author was surrounded by a microcosm of the world. She recalls her neighborhood as a patchwork of languages and cultures, with families from Ecuador, Yemen, Mexico, Honduras, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and more. Sarsour emphasizes how despite these differences, shared cultural values like respect for elders and community responsibility created a strong feeling of solidarity among the families. This multicultural upbringing fostered in her an appreciation for diversity and laid the groundwork for her later advocacy for inclusion and universal justice.

Context

• Immigrants frequently face challenges such as language barriers, cultural adjustments, and potential discrimination. Despite these obstacles, many pursue the American Dream with the hope of providing better opportunities for their children.
• The U.S. was often portrayed in global media as a melting pot where diverse cultures could coexist peacefully, attracting those seeking a more tolerant society.
• Many immigrant communities form support networks that emphasize the values of hard work and mutual assistance, helping newcomers navigate the challenges of settling in a new country.
• For many families, religious education is formalized through attendance at religious schools or classes, where children learn about their faith's teachings, history, and practices.
• In Islam, there is a strong emphasis on the concept of Ummah, or the global Muslim community. This includes a sense of responsibility towards others, promoting social justice, and working towards the common good.
• Over the decades, Brooklyn has seen waves of immigrants from Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East, contributing to its multicultural landscape.
• Such neighborhoods often become hubs of cultural exchange, where food, traditions, and languages intermingle, creating a rich tapestry of shared human experience.
• Growing up in a multicultural environment can significantly influence an individual's identity, fostering a sense of belonging to multiple cultures and encouraging a broader worldview. This can lead to a strong commitment to social justice and advocacy for inclusive policies.
• In many cultures, elders are seen as mediators and are often called upon to resolve conflicts within the community, leveraging their experience and impartiality.
• Being exposed to multiple languages in a community can enhance cognitive flexibility and empathy, as it encourages individuals to see the world from different linguistic and cultural perspectives.
• Access to education that includes diverse perspectives and histories can deepen one's understanding of systemic inequalities and the need for inclusive policies and practices.

The Writer's Experiences in the Occupied Palestinian...

We're In This Together Summary Post-9/11: How the Writer Became an Organizer Supporting Muslims, Immigrants, and Marginalized Communities

This section explores how the horrific events of 9/11 and the ensuing anti-Muslim backlash catapulted Sarsour into her role as organizing for the community. Initially driven by a desire to support Muslim families whose relatives had been unjustly detained after the attacks, Sarsour's efforts quickly expanded, evolving into a life dedicated to defending the rights of people who had immigrated and advocating for those facing discrimination based on their beliefs or immigration status.

Author Aiding Muslim Families of Unjustly Detained 9/11 Victims

Sarsour describes how the 9/11 attacks dramatically shifted the circumstances of Muslims residing in America. Overnight, they became objects of suspicion and targets of discrimination, facing verbal and physical harassment, increased surveillance from authorities, and arbitrary detention without cause. Sarsour recalls how Muslims felt fearful as unmarked cars appeared outside mosques, government agents conducted intrusive investigations, and families were torn apart when loved ones disappeared into the hands of authorities.

Author Uses Language Skills and Connections to Support At-Risk Families

Sarsour recounts how she...

We're In This Together Summary Building Cross-Movement Coalitions and Advocating Intersectional Justice in BLM and the Women's Rights March

This section focuses on Sarsour's commitment to building cross-movement coalitions, demonstrating her belief in the interconnected struggles for social equity. She highlights the parallels between the experiences of Muslims post-9/11 and the systemic injustices faced by Black and Brown communities, particularly the issue of police brutality. Sarsour's experiences leading the Women's March further solidified her commitment to advocating for intersectional justice, understanding that liberation for one group is intrinsically linked to the liberation of all.

Interconnected Struggles for Fairness

Sarsour recounts how the killing of Eric Garner in Staten Island and Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, opened her eyes to the widespread nature of police violence and the urgent need to address systemic racism in America. She draws parallels between the law enforcement surveillance and harassment experienced by Muslims following the September 11th attacks and the over-policing and brutality faced by Black and Brown communities. This understanding led her to become actively involved in Black Lives Matter.

Author Forges Alliances to Amplify Community Input and Power

Through...

We're In This Together Summary Writer's Role as National Figure: Impact on Family and Social Groups

This section explores the impact of Sarsour's activism on her family, both in the US and in Palestine, along with her own evolution as a national figure. She reflects on the ways her journey reflects the hopes, dreams, and struggles of her immigrant parents and how her rise to prominence as an American Muslim activist has inspired a new generation of young people to challenge injustice and advocate for a more inclusive society.

Muslim American Activist's Rise to National Prominence

Sarsour reflects on her rise to prominence as a prominent figure, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs that have accompanied her journey. She acknowledges the fear and uncertainty that she has faced, both as a Muslim woman living in the post-9/11 era and as a vocal advocate for social justice in an increasingly polarized political climate. Sarsour also highlights the tremendous support and solidarity she's received from her family, friends, and movement allies, who have empowered her to remain strong despite adversity.

How the Author Boldly Embraced Her Identity Amidst Oppression and Anti-Muslim Sentiment

The author details the significance of claiming her identity as an American...

We're In This Together Summary Author's Commitment to Social Justice and Campaigns for Racial and Police Accountability

This final section focuses on Sarsour's ongoing work as a societal advocate. Throughout this chapter, she demonstrates her awareness that the struggle for justice is a continuous one requiring vigilance, persistent effort, and unwavering belief in a better future. Her actions, from leading protests against police brutality to speaking out for DACA recipients and undocumented immigrants, illustrate her commitment to creating a society that truly values all people.

The Writer's Commitment to Racial Equity: Support for Black Lives Matter (BLM)

Sarsour details her involvement in the BLM campaign, highlighting her conviction that the struggle for racial justice must be at the forefront of any efforts to create a just society. She describes her experiences marching alongside Black organizers, learning from their lived experiences, and witnessing firsthand the disproportionate violence and harassment they face from law enforcement. Sarsour emphasizes the importance of non-Black allies showing up and taking action, recognizing the power of solidarity in combating systemic racism.

Amplifying Black Communities' Stories Against Police Violence and Racism

Sarsour recounts her...