Group gathers outside San Jose mosque to show support for Muslims after immigration ban
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- The political rhetoric that has created division across this country was replaced by a showing of love outside a mosque in San Jose and it brought tears to the eyes of Muslims who did not expect it.
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Members of the mosque said they have experienced the sting of the intolerance and hatred, so they were surprised by what they saw when they arrived for afternoon prayer on Friday -- total strangers gathering together to spread a message of love.
A group of 70 people gathered outside a mosque to show unity and love in the face of presidential orders against Muslims.
Among them were Latinos, Asian Americans and Jewish people who were greeting members of the Evergreen Islamic Center as they arrived for afternoon prayer. "We want to make sure that our residents, all of our residents, regardless of race, creed, national origin, immigration status or whom they love understand that we're here to back them up," Vice San Jose Mayor Magdalena Carrasco said.
It is significant that the rally is being held at this particular mosque on the east side of San Jose because last November a hate letter was sent here. "Ever since that became known, we have been getting so much support and love and respect from the community that we really feel blessed to call ourselves Americans," mosque board member Hasan Rahim said.
The gathering was part of a national day of action, organized by community organizations and individuals tired of what they consider intolerance and hate. They presented the imam handwritten letters of support and flowers. "Your support, may Allah accept and God bless us, thank you very much," Evergreen Islamic Center Imam Salim Molla said.
The outpouring of love touched one woman deeply as she held back tears to express her appreciation. "I just wanted to say thank you to you all and you're all our brothers and sisters. I'm just very thankful for all of this. Thank you for doing this for us," Mosque member Nasiya Amoroso said.
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