The story behind vandalization of a mosque

A few months ago our niece Sabrina talked at some length to Jo and me about an odd story she was working on in Arkansas. It was to be about the family of a blue collar 20-year old young man who was involved in vandalism of a mosque. The story she told was so intimate it sounded as if she was almost living with the young man's family.

Today that article appeared in the NY Times. It's long. Very long. (On my large monitor it's 31 screenfuls, but that includes lots of photos.) But those of you who have met Sabrina on any of her visits with us will find this an interesting read. And it's also an interesting article from the standpoint of "how do you explain the inexplicable"?

[Email from Sabrina at 9:24 AM: It is essentially a story of redemption (a white high school dropout helps vandalize a mosque, regrets it, writes a letter to them from jail, and is forgiven -- i distilled 7,000 words!!) and i'm hoping that is something of a tonic in this time of shouting.]

[Note Added: This article consumed most of the top half of the front page of the Sunday NY Times on Aug. 27, as well as 4 full additional pages in the front section.]

Sabrina Tavernise
The Two Americans
Abraham never fit in. Hisham finally felt at home. Then their worlds collided in western Arkansas.