Community News (V14-I3)

Muslim experiences in America shared at interfaith forum

HARRIBURG,PA–Muslims and Christians United: A Lehigh Valley Initiative for Justice and Peace held a forum to discuss Muslim experiences in America. The event was held at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Bethlehem.

The seven Muslims who took part in the meeting’s panel discussion largely said they faced more prejudice following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, lehighvalley.com news portal reported.

The Muslims and Christians United co-chairman Greg Cook said, “If nothing else, what happens demonstrates the importance of our group,” he said. “Groups like ours … we believe can increase understanding.”

Muslim cemetery decision put on hold

PEORIA,IL–Peoria’s Zoning Commission has delayed its decision on the proposal for a Muslim cemetery on a private property until next month. The Islamic Center of Peoria wants to  build a 641-plot cemetery on private wooded land north of Springdale Cemetery.

Commissioners endorsed the deferral to give the Islamic Center more time to discuss possible options for a new cemetery within Springdale’s boundaries.
The Islamic Center of Peoria in the meanwhile has indicated that  is open to discussing possible sites at Springdale Cemetery.

Meriden mosque proposal approved

MERIDEN,CT–The City of Meriden’s Board of Zoning Appeals has approved the request of a Muslim group to turn an old building into a mosque. “What has been the (reaction) in other parts of the state…has not been the response in Meriden – we’re very appreciative of that,” said Refai Arefin, told the patch.com,  referring to the opposition Connecticut Muslims have faced in opening mosques in other towns.

Islamic Association of Southern Connecticut says that it will move into the location in the next two months. The building was bought a Muslim businessman as an investment property but has sat empty. The property will now be leased out to the Islamic Association.

The Muslim community in the area comprises of more than twenty families.

The Islamic Association hopes to expand its membership and grow out of the location at some point, Arefin said, telling the audience that there was no long-term intention to remain in the leased building.

Because the Association may grow, the board approved its use of the building only conditionally – it will have to be reviewed every six months until its first year, and once a year from then on.

Burnsville Muslim center  moves into new location

BURNSVILLE,MN–The Darus Salam Cultural Center has moved into a new building in a business park after the city granted them approval last month, the patch.com reports. Their old location was reportedly fraught with problems regarding fire and safety regulation. The move is part of the solution to address those problems.

The new  5,200 square foot space leased by Kraus Anderson will also have ample space for the Muslim congregation — which ranges in size from 50 to 120 people. The space will be able to accommodate classrooms, group prayer, and offices.

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