New York's Uzbek community ready to embrace New York City marathon, runners
BROOKLYN – As more than 50,000 hardy souls cross the Varrazano-Narrows Bridge from Staten Island into Brooklyn on Sunday morning and eat up the third and fourth miles of their New York Marathon journey, “Paul” Ashrafov will be looking on from the side of the road along 4th Avenue.
Ashrafov, a 37-year-old trader, told Paste BN Sports on Saturday that he was planning to hold a United States flag, and was considering wearing a cap emblazoned with the flag of his homeland, Uzbekistan.
“I hope people understand what I am doing,” Ashrafov, who chooses to go by an Americanized first name and moved to the New York area three years ago, said. “I hope they understand what I am trying to say.”
What he is trying to project is a message of love, during an event of unity that is being staged just days after an ugly and needless tragedy. On Tuesday, it is alleged that Sayfullo Saipov, an Uzbekistan national, intentionally drove a rented truck into a crowd of people in Lower Manhattan, killing eight.
The incident sent shockwaves across the country and has also been sharply felt in the Kensington and Ditmas Park areas of Brooklyn, less than a mile from the race route. It is here that much of New York’s Uzbek community lives and the locals were shaken not only by news of the attack, but also the realization of how it may alter perceptions of their home country.
“I cannot imagine what was on his mind,” Uzbek immigrant Anvar Nazirov told Brooklyn news site Bklyner. “Now the Uzbek nation represents terrorists. That is very sad.”
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In Kensington, many locals preferred not to give their names but several shared that the attack has brought a mixture of sadness, concern and confusion. The appearance of Saipov, who law enforcement officials said had pledged allegiance to ISIS, has puzzled many. Uzbek men rarely grow thick, unruly beards, such as that sported by Saipov.
Uzbek culture revolves around family and respect and visitors to the country are often surprised by the warmth of the welcome they receive, which often includes an invitation to a local house for a meal. In Brooklyn, Kensington and Ditmas Park are regarded as safe, family-friendly areas.
On Sunday, Ashrafov will get up early and prepare to clap and cheer for runners from everywhere. “This hurts our community but we must keep positive thought in our minds,” he added.
Just like the runners.