I Refuse to Be Defined by Fascism
Following the death in custody of neo-Nazi extremist Pavlo Lapshyn, a man convicted for brutally murdering her father and carrying out further terroristic attacks, Maz Saleem has spoken of her long and painful journey from overwhelming grief to the deliberate choice of forgiveness.
The Tragic Events
Pavlo Lapshyn, a Ukrainian national, was sentenced for the murder of 82-year-old Mohammed Saleem—a respected figure in his community—after attacking him outside a mosque. In a horrifying act, Lapshyn stabbed Saleem and then further desecrated him. In addition to this violent murder, he orchestrated bomb attacks near several places of worship. Throughout his trial and subsequent incarceration, he expressed no remorse, with disturbing personal records indicating a celebration of his hateful deeds.
A Journey from Anger to Forgiveness
Maz Saleem, the youngest of seven siblings, recalls that her initial reaction after her father’s murder was driven by an urge for revenge. However, with time, she found that clinging to anger only empowered the forces of hate she despises. Determined not to be consumed by the same hatred that fueled her attacker, she chose a path of forgiveness—even extending empathy toward Lapshyn’s elderly parents. For her, releasing the bitter grip of rage is a conscious decision to reclaim her life and maintain peace in the midst of tragedy.
Speaking Out Against Extremism
In her heartfelt reflections, Maz emphasizes that forgiving her father’s killer does not equate to condoning his actions. Instead, it is a statement against the toxic cycle of hatred and division prevalent in society today. She warns that the rise of far-right and anti-migrant sentiments has spurred dangerous acts of violence across communities—from attacks on Muslim women to assaults on individuals from other minority groups. According to her, extreme ideologies must be met with robust measures that include protecting communities, enhancing counter-extremism efforts, educating young people, and providing sustained support to those affected by hate crimes.
Honoring a Legacy of Service and Unity
Reflecting on the life of her father—a man who arrived in the country in 1957, worked diligently, and dedicated himself to uniting people—Maz recalls his constant reminder that “education is key, knowledge is power.” Her father, who helped steer many young people away from a life of crime and brought communities together, left behind a legacy honored by more than 6,000 mourners at his funeral. His memory now serves as both a tribute and a call to action to confront injustice and build bridges among disparate communities.
A Call for a United Future
Ultimately, Maz Saleem’s decision to forgive is her refusal to allow hatred to define her or her community. While she remains deeply aware of the pain inflicted by Lapshyn’s actions, she firmly believes that embracing forgiveness is essential to fostering unity. Her message is clear: the legacy of her father should inspire efforts to confront hate and create a future where individuals are not persecuted for their appearance, beliefs, or origins.
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