The Office of the Governor of the State of Oregon
09/10/2026 | Press release | Archived content
9/10/2026: Muslim Educational Trust 9/11 Event
Salam Alaikum.
Thank you to the Muslim Educational Trust for hosting this event of remembrance, reflection, and recommitment to peace and unity.
This is a solemn day. We honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and we recognize the first responders who ran toward danger, who saved lives, and who carried the weight of that day in the years that followed. Their courage continues to inspire us.
Twenty-five years ago, I remember sitting at my kitchen table on that beautiful fall morning - I was off from work that day to celebrate something special. But instead of doing something joyful, I watched the TV in utter shock, unable to comprehend the magnitude of loss and destruction I was seeing. I remember the silence, the sadness, the sense of anguish.
When humanity is challenged by monumental, traumatic events, we often see the best of who we are - people of different backgrounds coming together, supporting one another, choosing compassion over fear. We saw that on 9/11 and the days and weeks that followed.
But horrifying, incomprehensible events can also bring out the worst: blame directed at entire communities, backlash rooted in ignorance, and hate that harms our neighbors.
In the aftermath of 9/11, the Muslim community faced this reality. Many of you in this room - leaders, educators, parents, advocates - carried the burden of that backlash. You showed strength, resilience, and commitment to building understanding even when the world felt uncertain. Thank you.
Sadly, we have seen, again and again, Islamophobia rising in reaction to current events. Fear and uncertainty fuels hate and dehumanization. Islamophobia rises. Antisemitism rises. Anti-immigrant sentiment rises. This hate takes many forms, and we must confront every single one. Oregon cannot - and will not - look away when our neighbors are targeted.
That is why Oregon has taken meaningful action to protect communities who are being threatened or attacked. In the past year, I signed laws that protect the rights of our immigrant and refugee communities and make clear who we are as a state. We strengthened transparency in law enforcement. We made sure state agencies have consistent guidance when handling immigration issues. We expanded our anti-profiling laws. And we ensured hospitals, schools, and state institutions safeguard people seeking care, education, and support - no matter what federal threats attempt to do.
Oregon will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with communities targeted by bigotry, hate, and federal overreach. We are not staying quiet. And we are not backing down.
State government cannot succeed in this work without local leaders. Local partnership - especially here in the metro region - is essential. To the local leaders who are here today: thank you. Your coordination matters. These conversations must happen at the local level and with the communities directly affected by hate and bigotry. In this work, we have the responsibility to strengthen trust between communities and public institutions. That trust is earned through listening, transparency, and showing up when it counts.
Oregon has never shied away from hard conversations. We come together - because it is who we are. And in this moment, as we reflect on the pain and lessons of 9/11, we must do the same. It is our responsibility to build a future rooted in justice, belonging, and safety for every Oregonian.
My commitment is simple: I will continue to stand with you. Muslim communities are Oregon communities. You make our state stronger.
Shukran. Thank you.
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