Sarsour 's early activism included advocating for the civil rights of American Muslims following the September 11 attacks of 2001 . Shortly before 9/11 , Basemah Atweh , a relative and founder of the Arab American Association of New York , asked Sarsour to volunteer for the organization . Atweh , who held a prominent political role uncommon for a Muslim woman , became Sarsour 's mentor
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Linda Sarsour