We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders

“We Are Not Here to be Bystanders is not only the beautifully written memoir of an extraordinary leader and movement builder, it is a deeply moving and urgent call to love and activism. From her Palestinian grandmother to her parents, to the people in her Brooklyn neighborhood, to Mr. Belafonte, her children and her sister-friends in the movement, Linda’s life speaks to the ways we become who we are in relationship to others. The memoir, like the woman, is bold, intelligent, courageous, candid, vulnerable, and warm. Linda who is unapologetically Muslim is a powerful ally–across all borders– to all who suffer injustice; her faith demands it of her. This memoir inspires the reader to take their own steps toward a life of resistance and love. People of all faiths, and any who believe in human potential should read this book, and join Linda in the urgent project of liberation and justice.” –The Reverend Jacqueline J. Lewis, Ph.D., Senior Minister, Middle Collegiate Church
“Candid and poignant, this book offers an intimate portrait of a committed activist while emphasizing the need for more Americans to work against the deep-seated inequalities that still haunt the country. A powerful memoir from a dedicated fighter for social justice.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Linda Sarsour’s memoir, We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders, challenges every stereotype about Muslim women, uncovers dangerous bias against Muslim Americans, and teaches readers how to organize for justice and kindness in our own lives. This is a rare book that leaps off the page and into our hearts.” – Gloria Steinem
“Linda Sarsour’s moving memoir is a testament to the power of love in action – a fierce, courageous, joyous love for all people of all religions, genders, races and backgrounds that reaches across all borders and boundaries. If you’re wondering what kind of activism holds the potential to free us all, this book offers an answer.” - Michelle Alexander, NY Times bestselling author of The New Jim Crow
“Sarsour’s memoir reminds us the humanity of the Palestinian people who’ve been stripped of their dignity. She reminds us that her fight for her people is a fight for those at the margins - Black people and Brown people. Sarsour is one of our most brilliant leaders and she leads with a grace and ‘spiciness’ that can only come from someone raised in Brooklyn. This book is a must read for all ages across the world.” –Patrisse Cullors, New York Times bestselling author of When They Call You a Terrorist Co-Founder #BlackLivesMatter

Linda Sarsour is a Brooklyn-born Palestinian Muslim American community organizer and mother of three. Recognized for her award-winning intersectional work, she served as national cochair of the Women’s March, helping to organize the largest single-day protest in US history. She is the former executive director of the Arab American Association of New York and cofounder of the first Muslim online organizing platform, MPower Change, as well as Until Freedom, a national racial justice organization working with Black and Brown communities across the country.

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