Source: The Times-Picayune
On October 21, 2001 The Times-Picayune featured the article "Common ground: Muslim and Buddhist teens learn religious tolerance by talking about their differences." Buddhist and Muslim teens met for discussion at Al-Tawbah Mosque in Gretna, Louisiana. More meetings are planned for the future. The article quoted Lisa Lincoln of Soka Gakkai International USA and Dr. Mahmoud Sarmini, spokesman for the Muslim group: "Lincoln and Sarmini say such a program will go a long way in helping teen-agers of different backgrounds treat one another with respect and understanding. 'It's incumbent on every community and every religion to reach out and get to know their other neighbors,' Sarmini said. 'Ignorance is a great excuse for racism and discrimination,' Lincoln said. 'The key is getting rid of the ignorance and embracing our diversity.'"