Jul 21 2010
Plans for Temecula Mosque Face Racist Opposition
Plans to build a Mosque and Muslim community center in Temecula Valley, California, are being opposed by a growing number of the city’s 105,000 residents. Temecula’s Muslim community has been using a plain, industrial building as its Mosque and community center since 2000. But their plans to build a larger, permanent structure have drawn concern and opposition from local church officials and neighbors. The Pastor of a Christian Church that would be located next door to the new Mosque said the Muslim religion is “…[n]ot only different but contrary to Christianity”. Other community members have expressed concerns over terrorist sleeper cells being formed around the Mosque. While Temecula and its surrounding neighbors in Riverside County are known for being conservative, negative reaction and active resistance to new Mosques is becoming more common throughout the U.S. Even in New York City, known worldwide for its liberal politics and diverse communities of immigrants, is facing angry opposition to a Muslim community’s plans to build new places of worship because it happens to be located near ground zero. In Temecula, here in Southern California, the Interfaith Religious Council has endorsed plans for the Islamic Center. The Temecula Planning Commission is expected to look at the building plans in August, and has publicly stated that the political controversy will not have any affect on its decision.
GUEST: Mahmoud Harmoush, imam of the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley, an instructor at Cal State San Bernardino’s World Languages and Literatures Department
Find out more about the Interfaith Council of Temecula and Murrieta online here: http://communityreligions.org/?content=interfaith
One Response to “Plans for Temecula Mosque Face Racist Opposition”
These people of faith have every right to build a Mosque, their place of worship, in Temecula. The so called “Christians” need to get a life and realize that America is home to many of different faiths.