Reflections on Forgiveness and Renewal
After the neo-Nazi convicted of murdering her father was found dead in his cell, Maz Saleem shares how she has chosen forgiveness over hatred, even in the face of profound loss. Her words come after the death of Pavlo Lapshyn, who, at the age of 37, was serving a lengthy prison sentence when he died unexpectedly. The exact circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed.
A Brutal History
Lapshyn was convicted for the 2013 murder of Mohammed Saleem, who was 82 at the time. On an evening after prayers at his local mosque, Saleem was attacked—stabbed multiple times and fatally assaulted outside his home. Lapshyn later carried out further acts of terror by planting bombs near several mosques. His actions, marked by extreme brutality and a lack of remorse, were accompanied by provocative messages celebrating white supremacy.
A Journey from Anger to Forgiveness
In the aftermath of her father’s death, Maz Saleem, the youngest of seven children, initially felt an intense urge for revenge. However, as time passed, she realized that dwelling in anger would only empower extremist ideologies and consume her life. “Carrying hatred in my heart does nothing to heal the pain,” she reflects. Through years of campaigning against racism and prejudice, she has come to embrace forgiveness—not as a dismissal of the crimes committed, but as a means to break the cycle of hatred.
A Call for Unity and Justice
Saleem emphasizes that forgiving her father’s killer is not an excuse to overlook the gravity of his actions, which brought immeasurable pain to her family and the broader community. Instead, she believes that rejecting hate is crucial for building a society based on understanding and inclusion. Her experience underscores the need for communities to protect vulnerable groups, ensure that counter-extremism initiatives are well-resourced, and extend support to victims long after the immediate tragedy has passed.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
Her father, who arrived in the country in 1957 and worked in various community roles—from the steelworks to a local bakery—instilled in her the belief that education and compassion are the keys to empowerment. Remembered for his dedication to guiding young people away from crime and fostering neighborhood unity, his legacy now serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing together against hatred and division.
Looking to the Future
As anti-migrant sentiment and far-right extremism continue to threaten community cohesion, Saleem’s message is both personal and universal. She hopes that her choice to forgive will inspire others to reject the corrosive power of hate. Her reflections call for collective action: protecting places of worship, expanding educational initiatives, and holding those who incite hate fully accountable. For her, moving forward means embracing a future where unity prevails over the bitterness of the past.
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