Community Must Band Together Against “Burn a Koran” Day

September 11, 2010 marks the ninth anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks which changed the lives of Americansforever. On that day, the non-denominational Dove World Outreach Center is organizing the “International Burn a Koran Day” to oppose Islam, which it sees as a “violent and oppressive religion.”In response to International Burn a Koran Day, we are calling on community leaders to speak out against these hateful activities and work to educate the public with accurate information about Islam. Most people living in this country likely remember where they were and what they were doing when they found out about the attacks on September 11, 2001; including ordinary American Muslims. It was an act of cowardice and gross inhumanity, yet it brought out the goodness of the American people in our capacity to grieve, but be compassionate and tolerant. We commemorate September 11 to show respect for those heroes who perished, not to fan the flames of prejudice and hatred. We are encouraging everyone who supports mutual respect and diversity to organize or sponsor educational events for the general public. We must continue to engage the hearts and minds of our communities to ensure that all of us, no matter what religious beliefs each of us holds, can exist with one another in peace.

–Dr. Donna Elam, Chairperson

Florida Commission on Human Relations