The news of Bin Laden’s death drew large, celebratory crowds in some major American cities. It was a patriotic moment that gathered thousands across the country of all colors, stripes and religious backgrounds. Among them were many Muslim Americans, who for more than a decade have faced hard times.

For local reaction to the news of bin Laden, Eight Forty-Eight turned to Ahlam Jbara, associate director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago.