Las Vegas student activist: ‘There’s nothing Islamic about the so-called Islamic State’

By Pashtana Usufzy

Monday, Jan. 25, 2016 | 2 a.m.

A 19-year-old with local roots has made a name for himself nationally by working to dispel stereotypes about Muslims.

New York University sophomore RJ Khalaf, who recently appeared on a CBS News panel of millennial Muslims, says he hopes to enlighten people about the true meaning of Islam, not to proselytize but to combat false stereotypes. Khalaf was born in Colorado but moved to Las Vegas when he was 4 years old.

“Just because our religion has been hijacked, doesn’t mean we’re anyone’s enemy,” he said.

Khalaf, who is studying politics, rights and development, said he hopes to use his voice to advocate for his community and debunk misconceptions about Muslims in America.

How did you get involved in activism?

It goes back to my freshman year at Coronado, where we started the Muslim Student Association. I’ve always had this desire to stand up for what I believe is right, and it’s something that’s very dear to me.

Why are you so passionate about advocating for Muslims?

There are 1.5 billion Muslims in the world, and a huge majority of them are peaceful, loving people who just want to live peaceful lives, be kind to their neighbors, be honest, be true. Their entire way of life has been hijacked because of some thugs who wanted to fly planes into the World Trade Center or murderers in Iraq or Syria who claim they represent an Islamic state. It’s these peaceful, loving people who I have so much of a connection to. They’re constantly being misrepresented, and oftentimes, I find the community is scared to speak out.

I’ve always been someone who is kind of outspoken, so I’ll speak my mind and say what I believe.

What should people know about young Muslims in America?

People think Muslims aren’t American or that we’re a different kind of American. I would say to those people — especially regarding the Muslims of my generation; among my friends, almost all of us were born and raised in the United States — we are not Muslim-Americans. We are Americans who are Muslim. Christians don’t say they’re Christian-Americans. Jews don’t say they are Jewish-Americans. I don’t believe there should be this hyphenation for the way we describe ourselves as Americans. We believe in this country. We love this country. We are proud of this country, and we’re proud to live in this country.

How do you feel about the proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States?

Disgust went through my head. It’s difficult to see. Growing up, Donald Trump was a little bit of an elusive celebrity figure. I used to watch “The Apprentice,” and I would think, “Wow, Donald Trump is kind of cool.” He had legitimacy in my mind, but especially as I’ve gotten older and I’ve seen the terrible, hateful things he has said throughout his campaign, I’m disgusted. From a strategic standpoint, he’s playing right into the hands of ISIS, and that’s exactly what ISIS wants. They want a candidate who creates a divide.

Has the rise of ISIS changed people’s perception of American Muslims?

Anti-Islamic sentiment is at an all-time high right now, higher than after 9/11, largely as a result of ISIS and its actions. But ISIS doesn’t represent Islam, and it doesn’t represent Muslims. There’s nothing Islamic about the so-called Islamic State.

What do you say when you come across someone who believes Islam is a violent religion?

I try to be the best example I can be and show them through my actions that we are not a bad group of people. We believe in the same things they believe in. Honestly, I just try to have a conversation with them.

Who are your heroes?

My father and my mother are the most patient and loving people I know. They’re generous, and they’re kind. They treat everyone with respect.

What are your plans for the near term?

Right now, I’m working on a leadership development program for youth in the Gaza Strip. It’s a summer camp-type system for kids growing up in the Gaza Strip. It’s a way to positively empower them to take control of their future.