Fire Damages Islamic Temple and Forces Worshippers Outside

May 29, 2001

Source: Newsday

On May 29, 2001, Newsday reported that "an upstairs fire at the Al-Amin Jame Masjid and Islamic Center [in Astoria, New York] resulted in an estimated $75,000 of water damage, displacing hundreds of Muslims from their place of worship. So organizers decided to take the weekly Friday afternoon prayer service-which draws about 600-to the street, laying down Astroturf carpeting and setting up a temporary sound system."