Muslim American man shares both blood and patriotism in wake of Orlando attack

"Our community in central Florida is heartbroken but let's put our colors, religions, ethnicity, sexual orientation and political views all aside so we can UNITE against those who are trying to hurt us."

Even though he was fasting while observing the month of Ramadan, Mahmoud ElAwadi still made his way to OneBlood Inc. in Orlando, Florida, to donate blood to survivors of the Pulse terrorist attack.

In his Facebook post, ElAwadi expresses the complicated duality of emotions he experienced as a result of the attacks. 

Expressing anger and frustration at the shooter and loss of innocent lives, he also felt pride, witnessing, "thousands of people standing in 92 degree sun waiting on their turn to donate blood even after they were told that the wait time is five to seven hours."

"Yes together we will stand against hate, terrorism, extremism and racism," ElAwadi continued. "Yes our blood all look the same so get out there and donate blood cause our fellow American citizens are injured and need our blood."

Ultimately, his message was one of coming together, despite our differences.

"Yes our community in central Florida is heart broken but let's put our colors, religions, ethnicity, sexual orientation, political views all aside so we can UNITE against those who are trying to hurt us," he wrote.

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