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Muslim woman shuts down anti-Islam protesters by posing for a photo with them

Shaymaa Darling decides to use kindness and a smile to respond to protesters verbally harassing Muslims attending a conference.

Shaymaa Darling decides to use kindness and a smile to respond to protesters verbally harassing Muslims attending a conference. Source: ShaymaaDarling/Twitter

Shaymaa Ismaa’eel said she was motivated to respond to hatred with kindness when she saw and heard protesters delivering a message of Islamophobia.


A 24-year-old behavioural therapist for autistic children has been described as a "true icon" and "a queen" after she took a photograph with anti-Muslim protesters, while wearing her headscarf.  

Shaymaa Ismaa’eel had been attending an Islamic Circle of North America convention over the Easter long weekend when saw men protesting outside the venue, brandishing anti-Muslim signs and yelling at conference attendees. 

"On April 21st I smiled in the face of bigotry and walked away feeling the greatest form of accomplishment," Ms Ismaa’eel posted on Twitter.

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