Eid al-Fitr in a Changed America

December 17, 2001

Source: Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-000100018dec17.story?coll=la%2Dheadlines%2Dpe%2Dcalifornia

On December 17, 2001, The Los Angeles Times reported "Despite increased security measures at the Orange County Fairgrounds, more than 14,000 area Muslims turned out Sunday morning to mark the end of Ramadan with a day of prayer, feasting and reflection." The article continued, "Faiz Rehman, 38, of Orange, a spokesman for the American Muslim Council, said that although Sunday was a time to celebrate, it also was an opportunity to remember the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the war in Afghanistan. This year the Eid prayers held even more meaning for Muslims." The article described the festive atmosphere following prayers, but noted, "many people said they were concerned about their personal safety, particularly after the release last week of a videotape of Osama bin Laden, in which he expresses pleasure over the Sept. 11 attacks, and the recent bomb threat at the King Fahd Mosque in Culver City. Security was heightened Sunday with several security guards and police officers present."