Successful Press Conference at ISBCC Construction Site

Through the dissemination of distorted facts and guilt by association, many attempts have been made to stop the construction of the ISB Cultural Center (ISBCC). The ISBCC is designed with a blend of traditional Bostonian architecture, including hints of Islamic accents symbolically bringing together the east and the west. Its architecture is symbolic of its mission, as well. The center will provide civil and social services to the dynamic and diverse Roxbury community as well as avenues for interfaith dialogue and festivity.

In response to orchestrated attempts to halt the IBCC construction, the ISB and the Muslim community needed to step forward and put a halt to the disgraceful and unethical reporting by the media, specifically Fox news and the Boston Herald, and to publicly state that Muslims will not be intimidated by hate crimes that have been committed against them. The slanderous attacks made by the media on leaders of the ISB, the burning of the mosque in Springfield and hate mail left for residents in Wayland to incite hatred against Muslims are committed by divisive members of society, but as Imam Rasul Saifullah, Imam of the Springfield Masjid affirmed, “I expect great things to come out of this (the burning of the mosque in Springfield), because it was just a building and the real structure is in the heart. It happened by the will of Allah.”

The press briefing was held in a tent at the Jeep Jones Park beside the construction site of the future ISBCC. There were approximately two hundred community members present, including Muslims and non-Muslims. Representatives of civil organizations, religious congregations and elected officials stood in solidarity with the ISB. These included Cathy Hoffman from the Cambridge Peace Commission, Bishop Filipe Teixeira from Saint Martin De Porres Church, Reverend John Hickey from the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry, Boston City Councilman Chuck Turner, Martin Walsh from the US Department of Justice, Imam Talal Eid from the Islamic Center of New England, Carol Rose from the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, former state representative Mel King, Imam Rasul Saifullah from Al Baqi Center in Springfield, Martin Federman from The Visions of Peace for Israel/Palestine, Ihab Muhammad, Leena Deevy from the Irish Immigration Center, Caline Jarudi from the Arab-American Anti Discrimination Committee of America, Gabrielle Camacho from the American Friends Service Committee, Joanne Dunn from the North American Indian Center, Dr. Nabil Khudari from the Islamic Council of New England and finally Jeff Stone from the City Wide Dialogue. Also present were Mr. Jeep Jones –ISBCC adjacent Park named under his name-, Ralph Cooper, founder of the Veterans Benefits’ Clearing House, Irving Cummings from the Old Cambridge Baptist Church and Naila Jirmanus from United for Justice with Peace. Furthermore, letters of encouragement and support were sent from other organizations not able to attend, including the Interfaith Alliance and the Interfaith Worker Justice.

The statements made by the attendees denounced the association of the ISB with terrorism, emphasized religious tolerance, and insisted that in order to triumph over evil, good people must come together to condemn those who would prey on individuals’ fear to create an environment of hatred and intolerance. Imam Talal Eid addressed the core of the issue when he said, “I am an American, and I understand that if I did something wrong I am held responsible, not my mosque.” Additionally, City Councilman Chuck Turner was appalled by the inaccurate and unethical reporting by the media and pointed out that if the accusations were true, federal officials, especially the Department of Homeland Security, would have taken action, which they have not.

Students from local Islamic schools held up signs, displaying such slogans as, “Faith over Fear and Justice for All,” “I am Young, American, Muslim and Proud,” and “Respect all Houses of Worship.” The youngest speaker garnered the most applause. Ihab Muhammad’s thoughtful speech made a moving impression, as he delivered it with composure and eloquence.

The press conference concluded with questions taken by the media. Immediately following, Friday prayer commenced. It was a significant day for the Muslims in Massachusetts because their voices were heard. Previous reticence had been an invitation for those who promote hatred and create fear to persist. Fortunately, there is a blessing in all trials endured, as we stand united with our neighbors.

The goal of the conference was also to publicly reaffirm the ISB’s commitment to serving humanity, religious tolerance and public outreach, and to condemn all forms of bigotry, including racism, sectarianism, nationalism, anti-Semitism, and class discrimination The ISB is dedicated to creating bridges within the faith community, as it represents the concept of justice and the right to worship as one pleases. The establishment of the ISBCC is a testament to our commitment to respect the worship of all peoples. The following quote from the Quran, Surat Al Hujarat, reflects what a Muslim’s view of other religions is. Allah tells us, “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”