Emails ISGL Received from Our Fellow Americans

Since the terrorist attack occurred  Sep-11 in New York and in DC, our web site received only messages of support from our fellow non-Muslims Americans. We find this a very positive issue that we'd like to share with the rest of the community to let them feel how everybody around us feels.

This is a log of all the messages we received so far

I just want you to know that I in no way confuse the terrorist attacks of this
week with my Islamic-American or Arab-American brothers and sisters or with my
Islamic or Arab brothers and sisters anywhere in the world.

David P. Worthen
Methuen, Ma.

Dear Friends

It is with deep sadness that I have heard of the
threats, attacks, and hatred that have been directed
at Muslims and Arabs around the United States. I hope
this has not been your experience in Massachusetts,
but sadly, I fear it may be. As an American, I am
ashamed at the misplaced anger and blame directed
towards people who may share the professed religion or
ethnicity of those who are suspected of committing
these horrific acts. As a Jew, I am acutely aware of
how frightening - and deadly - it can be to be part of
a religious or ethnic group that is wrongly accused,
feared, and singled out at a time when anger is high
and threat of retribution very real. My hopes for
solace and safety are with you and your communities
during this time of pain.

I pray that human beings and people of faith in
America and around the world can find it in their
hearts to come together to fight terror and oppression
with hope and love instead of more anger, violence,
and fear.

B'shalom/Saalem/In peace

Danielle Luttenberg
Allston, MA

Ruth,

Please add my name to your letter.
Danielle Luttenberg Allston, MA

Also, please consider sending personal notes or cc'ing
Arab and Muslim groups around Massachusetts. I sent
this email to various Muslim and Arab groups around
Massachusetts and the responses I received indicated
it was greatly appreciated.

L'shana tova

DAnielle

It is an unfortunate circumstance that during times of
crisis, we often see the worst of people along with
the best of people. Right now, on televisions and
radios across the country, we are seeing the best of
people shine through in the rescue attempts in New
York and the various stories of heroism and sacrifice
aboard the hijacked planes and within the World Trade
Center. It therefore saddens me deeply that those who
are of any middle-eastern descent are bearing the
brunt of the worst of humanity. It saddens me that in
this day and age, in this time and place, that there
still exist those who will look for anything to use as
an excuse to put their blind hatred and bigotry into
action and words.

It is a small minority of people, I won?t even call
them Americans, who are taking advantage of this
tragic situation, and it is even more tragic that for
you it may seem like the majority. These are not
Americans. America was built on many things, some of
them tragic, some of them shameful, but mostly it was
built on pride. Pride in the idea that one nation can
exist with a mixture of ethnicities and religions from
around the world. That people from every corner of
the earth can come together to share their different
customs and cultures is an idea and a gift that many
appreciate and a few take for granted.

I am a white male and there is a part of me that
wonders about the propriety of sending such a letter
to you, for it is impossible for me to conceive of the
fear that many in our country are experiencing right
now. But don?t let this small-minded, cowardly and
Un-American group of hate-mongers dishearten you. To
my perception this small group of people is cut from
the same cloth as those who attacked our country on
Tuesday. Do not let them discourage you. You are
part of the core of this country. You represent one
of the pillars of strength in this country; our
diversity. Stand proud, stand tall and know that you
have friends.

Bless you all.

-David Raines
Los Angeles, CA

The president of our congregation e mailed you last week and I wish to add my
support to his. Today we sent a letter to the Selimiye Mosque in Methuen and
I wish to share that letter with you with the same assurance of support and
invitation to an interfaith relationship.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION
6 Locke St., Andover MA 01810 USA (978) 475-4454
     http://www.uuandover.org


March 15, 2001

Selimiye Camii Mosque
105 Oakland Ave.
Methuen, MA

To the leaders and congregation of Selimiye Camii Mosque,

In this time of tragedy and crisis for our country and for our world society
the Congregation, Board and myself, as Minister of the congregation, all send
our message of support to you. All societies have their share of those who
through ignorance or prejudice may take actions which either physically or
socially hurt others. With the events of Tuesday we wish to convey to you
our public support for an open society and our support as your neighbors.
Please call upon us when you need our help in securing your safety and full
participation as a part of our interfaith community.

May I say personally as well that I have entered and attended worship in a
number of beautiful mosques in Egypt and India. I have read the Koran and
Hadith and included Islam and the prophet Mohammed in a book I wrote called,
Four Spiritualities. I am sympathetic and aware of some of the unique
qualities of Islam and hope that our two congregations can become personally
acquainted. Several parents have suggested that it would be good for our
children to meet each other as well.

Sincerely,


Peter T. Richardson
Minister



Rev. Peter T. Richardson, Minister ptemr@aol.com

At this point, we at the Islamic Society of Greater Lowell, can't thank all of you more who sent those messages to make us feel safe, welcomed and appreciated here in the land of freedom.

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