Boston Muslims and Christians Protest Attacks on Lebanon

July 22, 2006

Source: Muslim American Society/The Boston Globe

http://www.masnet.org/news.asp?id=3522

On July 22, 2006 The Boston Globe reported, "Hundreds of people, including Muslims and Christians, turned out for a rally yesterday afternoon at Boston City Hall Plaza to protest Israel's bombing of Lebanon and the treatment of Palestinians. Participants carried signs such as 'Free All Palestinian and Lebanese Political Prisoners,' 'End the Israeli Occupation,' and 'Stop Aid and Weapons.' At times during the nearly three-hour rally, which included a prayer service and was sponsored by the Muslim American Society, they chanted 'Free, Free Palestine,' and then 'Free, Free Lebanon.' A police officer at the scene estimated the crowd at 2 p.m. to be 500. Around 1:30 p.m., hundreds gathered in tidy eastward-facing rows of about 50 people each, to pray to God. Most kneeled on prayer rugs. Others improvised with newspapers. Some took off their shoes. Usually, at that time of the week, they would have gathered in a mosque. Muslim American Society President, Esam Omeish, led the prayer. Caline Jarudi, executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Massachusetts, said that holding the rally was a big step among Muslims, who often are apprehensive about publicly vocalizing their views because they can face discrimination. 'The rally was about justice and hopefully there is no consequence,' she said."