Document text
Jewish, Muslim leaders urge calm By DAMIAN MANN Stunned by the terrorist attack on the East Coast, Rogue Valley Muslims and Jews urged restraint in condemning the Islamic community. Both religious groups say that even if it turns out to be an act of some extremist Muslim faction, it is no reason to condemn the entire Islamic faith. More than anything else, Jews and Muslims in this community reacted the way most Americans did - with disbelief. "I'm so sad I cannot express myself," said Bijan Seda of Ashland. Seda, like other Muslims who feel such acts run counter to their religious beliefs, says that terrorist groups like those led by Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan do not represent their faith. Born in Iran, Seda, who came to the United States in 1969, said, "In the Islamic ways, these acts are forbidden." He is also saddened that the world has quickly pointed the finger at the Arab community, even though as of Tuesday night no organization has yet claimed responsibility for this mass destruction. After the Oklahoma City bombing, it was initially thought that it was the work of some Islamic terrorist group before it was discovered to be Timothy McVeigh. As a Muslim, Seda said most of the people in his religion, like other religions, generally preach compassion and love for their fellow man. Acts of violence in the name of Islam, he said, are done by extremists. "This is a mass suicide," he said. "It is craziness. It is insane." Rabbi David Zaslow of Havurah Shir Hadash in Ashland said, "Often we come with too quick of a response in blaming someone." Zaslow, who initially thought the Oklahoma City bombing was the work of Arab terrorists, hopes that anti-Arabic or anti-Semitic sentiment doesn't erupt from this act of terrorism. He urges people to remain calm during this time of crisis and is concerned for the safety of Jewish synagogues, often marked as potential targets by terrorists. Like the rest of the Jewish community, Zaslow is in a state of "catastrophic shock." He was initially fearful for family members who work close to the World Trade Center, but finally discovered they were safe Tuesday afternoon. Zaslow's synagogue performed a special candlelight vigil Tuesday night in memory of those who lost their lives. "This is the community response when we all feel so helpless," he said. "We move to a state of community support and prayers." Rabbi Marc Sirinsky, of Temple Emek Shalom, said, "This attack is a direct assault on American values - peace, life, liberty and freedom. We must all pull together as a nation and be there for one another in this time of crisis." Pirouz Sedaghaty, director of the Qur'an Foundation in Ashland, said, "The hand of Satan came to earth and touched the lives of thousands of people." Sedaghaty, whose mosque represents about 40 Muslims in the Rogue Valley, said, "Everybody is just shocked. This thing almost made me throw up this morning." The Islamic world would condemn such an act, he said. "You take one innocent life and they will behead you," said Sedaghaty. Ashland resident Mary Foster, who converted to Islam 10 years ago, said that everything the terrorists did runs contrary to Muslim teaching. "To commit suicide in our religion, you're doomed to hell," she said. "If you take the life of innocent people you're doomed." The Islamic faith is based more on peace, said Foster. When you greet a fellow Muslim you say, assalam aleikum, which means "peace be with you." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.