Religious Community Holds Vigil After Vandalism

April 3, 2008

Author: Jennifer Thome

Source: CBS3, Springfield

http://www.cbs3springfield.com/news/local/17281829.html

For weeks the Islamic Center in West Springfield has been cleaning up broken glass and listening to threatening phone calls. On Thursday night, the interfaith community came together to show their solidarity.

Mohammad Saleem Bajwa, President of Islamic Society, says "{The Islamic community} has a strong fear that something is going to happen. We don't feel safe when we're in our congregational prayer."

That's because someone broke windows, smashed doors and left threatening phone calls. Calls like this one: "You must denounce the violence that your people are perpetrating against citizens of the free world or there will be hell to pay, my friends. It's time to make peace."

The vandalism started March 21st and every few days something new has happened.