Singing, Praying: Region's Christians, Muslims Share Their Faith in Each Other

By David Yonke
Blade Religion editor, Toledo Blade

Copyright (c) 2001, The Blade

About 1,500 people, a gregarious mix of Christians and Muslims, gathered last night at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo in Perrysburg Township to encircle the mosque, pray for the safety of those who worship within, and sing patriotic songs.

American flags were everywhere - medium-sized ones along the driveways, a large one hanging from the mosque's roof, and small red, white, and blue stickers adorning everyone's clothing.

The people making up the crowd, many of whom rarely cross paths, made an effort to reach out to one another in this time of national crisis.

Members of the Islamic Center carried baskets filled with Hershey's kisses that they handed out to their guests.

"No matter what nation we come from or what religion we practice, we are children of one mother and one father, and children of one God," Imam Farooq Abo-Elzahab said in addressing the crowd.

Todd Hostetler, station manager of Toledo Christian radio station YES-FM, organizers of the event, said in an opening prayer that "even though we are not united in our beliefs, we are united in one nation. We know that hatred begets hatred. It's a cycle, and we believe that cycle will be broken here tonight."

"Thank you doesn't begin to say what we feel," said Cherrefe Kadri, president of the board of the Islamic Center, pausing to control her tears of joy. "This proves that there is more good than bad or evil in this world. We thank you, we love you, and we're in this together. I know we'll get through it together with the prayers and love we feel here."

The mosque, with its striking Middle Eastern minarets and dome, is located along busy I-75 south of Toledo, and many truckers and drivers honked and waved as they drove by.

After the opening remarks, the crowd spread out to hold hands and, facing outward, pray for the safety of northwest Ohio Muslims. The hour-long event concluded with the crowd singing "The Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America."

John "Bulldog" Rust, 85, went to the mosque wearing a plastic red, white, and blue Uncle Sam top hat and a flag sticker on his dark suit coat.

"I'm opposed to prejudice," said Mr. Rust, holding the hands of the people beside him. "This is wonderful. I'm a member of the [American Civil Liberties Union] and I believe in the free pursuit of the truth."

He said he was an aerial gunner in Italy during World War II, but what happened Sept. 11 in New York City and Washington "was the worst thing I've ever seen. It was uncalled for and inhumane."

The Rev. David Ritchie, 44, who was ordained a Catholic priest in June, said, "You've seen those ��What Would Jesus Do?' bracelets? I think this is where Jesus would be."

Hussien Boraby, 67, who has been a member of the Islamic Center since 1955, smiled broadly.

"Oh, it's so beautiful. It shows you how great these people are. It's like a family. You can feel the love."

The Rev. Joseph Keblesh, Jr., pastor of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, said he was there "to stand against hatred and in favor of love."

Rehana Ahmed, 52, who has been a member of the mosque for 25 years, wore her native Pakistani clothing with an American flag sticker on the lapel.

"I think this is a wonderful idea. We need to perpetuate it," she said, propping open a door as she directed guests to the mosque's rest rooms. "It gives us hope that everything will be all right."

Permission obtained covering republication/translation of the text by U.S. Embassy Public Affairs/press outside the United States. On title page, credit author, TOLEDO BLADE and carry: Copyright (c) 2001, The Blade