Muslim Groups Demand Apology From Buddhist Priest

July 9, 2003

Source: Newsday

http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/queens/nyc-mus0710,0,4454118.story

On July 9, 2003 Newsday reported that "a national Muslim organization demanded an apology Wednesday from a Flushing [NY] Buddhist priest who allegedly made disparaging remarks about Islam that were posted on the Internet... Ghazi Khankan, executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations-New York, said the Rev. Jisei Nagasaka made disparaging statements, including 'Islam is a false religion.' His comments came after another Buddhist priest made similar statements, including Allah 'is a figment of the imagination...' While the statements in question were promptly removed from the Web site after letters and phone calls from Muslims, the council said Nagasaka's comments can only be rectified with better understanding and an apology."