With all that is going on against the Muslims, it is important that Muslims know they aren't alone and that they have allies. For whatever reason, people think Jews and Muslims don't get along when in reality we are a lot more similar than one might think. Some examples are both don't eat pork or shellfish, encourage modesty, and we don't believe in Jesus.
In Judaism, many women don't cover their hair. Orthodox women will cover their hair when they get married but many Jewish women don't. I've always seen hijabs and thought how beautiful and soft the scarves were. When the Muslim Student Association at my school had a program called scarves for solidarity, I knew I had to participate. I wanted to be able to step into other women's shoes. After all, as women, we have to empower and stand with each other.
At around noon I went over to the booth where they were giving out pink scarves and a Muslim lady helped me tie it around my head, securing it in bobby pins. I walked out and for the most part, no one noticed I was wearing a head covering and no one cared. It wasn't until I was hanging out in the Hillel office where I knew people would notice. A friend didn't recognize me at first just because I was wearing a hijab. We both ended up laughing because he seriously had no clue it was me. I laughed because of how surprised he was. Later that night, another friend noticed and said how good it was that I took this challenge. Another friend of mine even did it for a short amount of time that day.
Wearing a head covering shouldn't be a big deal and no one should have to feel scared to embrace their religion. It is okay to want to wear something to show off your religion. Don't let the fear control you but feel proud you live in a place where you can practice any religion you want freely.
