Amin Aaser on the importance of building community after tragedy

Amin Aaser, left, and his brother, Mohammed Aaser
Amin Aaser, left, and his older brother, Mohammed Aaser, in their parents' home in Maple Grove, Minn., in July 2015.
Laura Yuen | MPR News file

Amin Aaser was 13 years old when 9/11 happened.

In the days and years that followed, Aaser tried to hide his Muslim identity. He dyed his hair blond and asked his mom to pick him up late from baseball so that no one would see her hijab.

When two mosques were attacked in New Zealand earlier this month, Aaser remembered his experience and thought of how young Muslims must feel right now.

He wrote an op-ed in the Star Tribune about the ripple effects of the Christchurch attacks. MPR's Stephanie Curtis spoke with Aaser about how to support Muslim youth in the wake of tragedy.

Use the audio player above to hear the full conversation.

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