Religious Event Embraces Diversity

May 21, 2007

Author: MEG HUELSMAN

Source: The Courier Post

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070521/NEWS01/705210350/1006/news01

Nearly two weeks after six Muslim men were arrested on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack on Fort Dix, a multi-religious annual prayer event stressed the importance of understanding and embracing diversity.

The audience consisted of men wearing yarmulkes and women wearing brightly patterned scarves on their heads. A Buddhist monk dressed in a maroon robe. A Catholic priest spoke of compassion.

The event focused on the importance of accepting each other and keeping an eye out for suspected extremists, like the six men arrested earlier this month in connection with planning a terrorist attack on Fort Dix.

"Not all Muslims are terrorists," Quresh Dahodwala, a speaker at the event on Sunday, said. "Islam, as you may have heard many times, does not condone violence. It condemns suicide bombers. Islam is a religion of peace and love."

Township Mayor Bernie Platt said at the event he would continue to fight for diversity and a zero-tolerance stance toward racism.