City Reaches out to Islamic Community

January 10, 2008

Author: Eric Klamut

Source: The Rocky Mountain Telegram

http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/01/10/city.html

Mousa Shehadeh is a good-natured fellow.

But in recent years, world events have hit home in his daily life in Rocky Mount.

Terrorist attacks, war in the Middle East and suicide bombing abroad has left him feeling stereotyped locally.

"I am a human just like you," Shehadeh said. "When we die, we both go underground the same way."

A Muslim originally from Palestine, he believes he is misunderstood in his religion and culture.

And from the sentiments of a handful of others in his community, he is not alone.

On Wednesday evening at the Rocky Mount Islamic Center, the Rocky Mount Human Relations Commission conducted its meeting at the location with the goal of beginning a dialogue between the city and Rocky Mount's Muslim community.