Location
We planned, spur of the moment, a gathering in response to the arson fire at our local mosque; word was passed via Facebook. Just under 60 people showed up, though the newspaper said under 50, but we counted too:-)
Here is a summary of what we discussed and have planned:
Here is a synopsis of what we discussed and planned in response to the arson at the mosque.
More than 50 people came (52 signed the list), including at least 3 people from the Islamic Center, and Rabbi Benjamin who had spoken with Emir Mohamed Siala this morning.
Because insurance will pay for the rebuilding at the mosque, there is not a great need for raising money for that. The Muslim community feels the support of Corvallis and appreciates it, and hopes that we can all use this opportunity to be closer to one another. So we focused on ways to make that happen, both immediately and in the long term.
We will call our group Not In Our Town - Corvallis, as a chapter of a national organization with a history of contending with hate crimes. (niot.org). We will set up a listserve to coordinate, plan, and distribute information - each of us can forward relevant information to our other networks. We will set up a Facebook group for our local Not In Our Town. We will create and distribute signs that directly oppose crimes such at this one. HATE IS NOT WELCOME HERE was the chosen slogan. A pdf will be posted on Facebook, and sent via email. These signs can be posted in windows of homes and businesses. Other signs with relevant messages can be made and distributed as well. We have asked the Gazette-Times (local paper) to print and include one in each newspaper one day soon. We will have a signature advertisement in the G-T to show our abhorrence for this crime and support for the people at the mosque. We will plant a Peace Tree at the mosque as a symbol of our community support, and perhaps in other places such as Central Park. We will establish a tradition of community meals, a chance to get to know people from other faiths and other circles than our usual comfort zones. How/where is yet to be determined. We will establish the tradition of "Conversation Cafes" around town. Hosts will commit to show up at a public place at regular times, and people can come to join in meaningful conversation. The first to be established is at the Al Jabal Restaurant on SW 3rd St (near Les Schwab) at 1 pm on Thursdays. Another will be set up at the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center on 9th and Monroe, time yet to be determined. The mosque has been planning to have an open house, and now will push forward that event to happen sooner. They will display the cards and letters sent from the community. Posters with the FBI tip hotline and announcing the $10,000 reward were distributed, as were some window signs with various messages.
And, of course, we will participate in the candelight vigil at the mosque Tuesday night from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.