DALLAS — In a reflective address on September 9, 2026, former President George W. Bush recounted his visit to a Washington mosque shortly after the September 11, 2001, attacks, highlighting his concern over the treatment of Muslim women in the aftermath of the events that claimed nearly 3,000 lives. Speaking at an event commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Bush emphasized the importance of protecting civil liberties and fostering understanding among diverse communities in the face of tragedy.
The event, titled “A Legacy of Service: America at the 25th Anniversary of 9/11,” featured discussions with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who served as national security adviser during the attacks. Together, they reflected on the challenges and decisions faced by their administration during a pivotal moment in American history.
Bush shared that his decision to visit the mosque was precipitated by troubling reports of harassment directed at Muslim women, particularly in Michigan. “I was deeply concerned about stories of women in coverings being harassed at shopping centers,” he said. His visit, he noted, was a reaffirmation of American ideals, asserting that the ability to worship freely is a cornerstone of democracy.
Rice prompted Bush to elaborate on his outreach efforts to reassure Muslim Americans that the 9/11 attacks should not be used as justification for discrimination. In his response, Bush described the fight against terrorism as an ideological struggle, cautioning against conflating the actions of extremists with the tenets of Islam. He stressed that “Islam is a religion of peace,” a message he aimed to convey in the days following the attacks.
On September 17, 2001, just days after the tragedy, Bush visited the Islamic Center of Washington, where he famously declared, “Islam is peace,” emphasizing that the actions of the attackers did not reflect the true nature of the faith. He highlighted the contributions of Muslim Americans to the nation while condemning the intolerance faced by many in the community during that time.
Bush’s outreach was followed by a notable decline in hate crimes against Muslims, though his administration faced criticism from some conservative groups for distinguishing between Islam and extremist organizations like al-Qaeda. Sociologist Rosemarie Skaine identified Bush’s speech as a significant step towards reducing Islamophobia, whereas others suggested he undermined this effort in subsequent remarks that seemed to portray Muslims negatively.
Reflecting on the broader implications of 9/11, Bush remarked that the attacks served as a “clarifying moment” for both his administration and the American public. He recounted the day of the attacks, describing his experience in a classroom, underscoring how the nation rallied in response. Military enlistment surged as citizens sought to contribute to national security efforts during a time of uncertainty.
Rice added that the attacks prompted unprecedented collaboration between intelligence agencies, as the administration sought to address vulnerabilities that had previously kept the FBI and CIA from effectively sharing information. This urgency to strengthen defense against potential threats marked a turning point in national security protocol.
Bush’s approval rating soared to an unprecedented 90 percent in the weeks following the attacks. However, the mastermind behind the tragedy, Osama bin Laden, managed to evade capture throughout much of Bush’s presidency until he was ultimately killed by U.S. forces in 2011.
As the anniversary approached, Bush stressed the importance of keeping the memory of 9/11 alive, particularly for younger generations who may not fully grasp the sacrifices made during that time. His address concluded with a reminder of the solemn commemoration activities planned for September 11, where each name of the nearly 3,000 victims would be read aloud, ensuring their legacy remains etched in the nation’s memory. Family members, like Daniella, daughter of victim Victor Wald, poignantly connects the past with the present, reminding audiences that while time passes, the impact of this tragic event is inextricably linked to the nation’s journey.