Islamic Center of America in Dearborn Site of Rally for Religious Tolerance

June 11, 2005

Source: Detroit Free Press

http://www.freep.com/news/religion/koran11e_20050611.htm

On June 11, 2005 the Detroit Free Press reported, "For many Michigan Muslims, the abuse of the Koran at Guantanamo Bay isn't just an affront to Islam: It's also an insult to America's tradition of tolerance. So on Friday, they rallied alongside Christians and Jews, whites and blacks, on the steps of the newly opened Islamic Center of America mosque in Dearborn. Under the glaring sun, they preached a message of respect, civility and love for American values. What made the rally different from other Koran-related demonstrations held around the world over the past month was its diverse makeup and repeated declarations of patriotism. 'This is not about bashing America, this is not about bashing the U.S. military,' declared Imam Hassan Qazwini, head of the Islamic Center. 'Those who desecrated the Koran desecrated America itself. They desecrated all our great and noble values. ... We're all Americans and we all love this country.'"