(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 4/12/07) – The Pennsylvania chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-PA) today thanked a synagogue in that state for offering to host Muslim prayers after fire damaged a local mosque.
Oheb Zedeck Synagogue Center in Pottsville, Pa., offered to let the congregation of the Islamic Society of Schuylkill County hold prayer services in the synagogue after the mosque was damaged recently by an accidental fire. Another offer of prayer space came from the Mechanicsville Fire Company.
SEE: Mosque Damaged in Blaze (Republican & Herald)
“This kind of interfaith cooperation is a concrete demonstration of the mutual support that results when American communities come together in times of crisis,” said CAIR-PA Chairman Iftekhar Hussain.
Hussain said the local Muslim community ultimately chose hold prayers in the fire station because it is closer to the mosque and more convenient for worshipers.
CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 32 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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