A human rights expert for the United Nations has said anti-Muslim hatred has reached epidemic proportions. Author: Laural Porter Updated: 8:01 PM PDT April 9, 2021 PORTLAND, Ore. — Aneelah Afzali looks forward to the month of Ramadan all year; a time of fasting, spiritual growth, and reflection. "Ramadan is such a beautiful and blessed month," she said. And this year, when the most sacred month in Islamic culture begins at sunset on Monday, April 12, she also sees a chance for unity with non-Muslims. "This is such a good opportunity to get to know each other and to build bridges," Afzali said. Afzali is the founder and Executive Director of the American Muslim Empowerment Network at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound. She was a guest on this week's episode of "Straight Talk," along with Wajdi Said, the President of the Muslim Educational Trust (MET) in Beaverton, and Ronault "Polo" Catalani, the Executive Director of the New Portland Foundation. They discussed ways to combat increased incidents of Islamophobia and other forms of hate.