Colo. Muslims urge end to fighting, criticize Israel
Julie Poppen, Rocky Mountain News
Saturday, July 22, 2006
- Email this
- Print this
- Comments
- Change text size
- Subscribe to print edition
- iPod friendly
A group of prominent Colorado Muslims prayed for an end to violence in southern Lebanon on Friday and blasted the Bush administration for failing to demand an immediate cease-fire in the widening conflict.
Najwa Jad, vice president of services for the Colorado Muslim Society, had harsh words for Israel and said support for that country is threatening security and moral leadership in the United States.
"Our problem is not with Jews or the Jewish faith but rather the belligerent state of Israel, a country that has the territorial appetite of an elephant and the brutality of a barbarian," she said.
Jad, among the featured speakers at a rally following the afternoon prayer at the society's mosque on South Parker Road, urged those who resist Israel to avoid attacks on innocent people and respect international laws.
Similar protests by Muslims were staged worldwide Friday.
Jad and others at the rally promoted a new Children Crisis Fund aimed at helping children and families in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Jad said that at least $5,000 was raised during morning prayers, with the goal being $50,000. Guest speaker and author Raed Tayeh urged people to give at least $50, an amount that would provide food for a family of six for one month.
Israeli forces have been fighting Hezbollah guerillas in Lebanon since the Islamic militant group kidnapped two Israeli soldiers this month.
Tayeh, author of A Muslim's Guide to American Politics and Government, came to Denver from Washington to motivate local Muslims to take a stand on the unfolding crisis.
Tayeh expressed his views on the crisis during the prayer. Women wearing head scarves observed from the mosque's balcony.
"We are on the verge of a very major war in the Middle East that will last for some time," said Tayeh, former speechwriter for Rep.Cynthia McKinney, D-Ga. "It's a funny way to spread democracy. We are only earning the anger and resentment of people in the world."
Tayeh also said the Bush administration's policies in the Middle East were fueling terrorism against the United States.
Post your comment
Registration is required. Click here to create your free user account, or login below.
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.