Hundreds rally to show support for Mosque after arson fire
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Hundreds of people rallied to show their support at Islamic Center in Perrysburg after the mosque was damaged in arson fire that authorities are calling a hate crime.
With a number of local dignitaries in attendance, area spiritual leaders condemned the attack that took place inside the mosque last weekend.
Rev. Ed Heilman of the Park Church, United Church of Christ said, "We'll help you rebuild, we will help you anyway we can, we will raise this mosque and clean it together, we will be your partners in this."
Many here wanted to send a message of peace, harmony and interfaith understanding. Last Sunday authorities say 52-year-old Randy Linn of Saint Joe, Indiana broke into the Islamic center. Police say he roamed the empty halls with an armed revolver and set the prayer room carpet on fire. Linn is now facing multiple charges some of which include arson and federal hate crime charges.
The mosque's interior will take months to repair. And for members like Linda Mansour attending this service, the community outpouring of support truly moved them.
"Today, we're rejoicing in the tragedy that happened and it just fills my heart. It's reassuring to know in Toledo we really are a community."
Nihad Awad, the co-founder of CAIR, The Council on American Islamic Relations, traveled from Washington D.C. He says hate crimes against US Muslims has jumped by 50% in recent months. The one in Perrysburg being the very latest.
"Anyone who attacks this attacks the entire United States Constitution and values and I'm very humbled to see this show of solidarity of the American Muslim Community."
The center suffered extensive smoke and water damage and has been closed all week. The president here hopes to resume prayer services and Sunday school in the next week once a spot on the first floor has been cleared.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:36 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:36:19 GMT
Police are still searching for the suspects that shot and killed James "Jimmy" Safadi in his Waterville home early Saturday morning. About 6 a.m. Saturday, detectives say the three suspects described as
Police are still searching for the suspects that shot and killed James "Jimmy" Safadi in his Waterville home early Saturday morning.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:31 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:31:31 GMT
Northbound Route 23 was shut down on Sunday evening after a semi truck overturned.Part of the road was shut down as the crash scene was cleared. Several cars were involved in the accident, and there were
Northbound Route 23 was shut down on Sunday evening after a semi truck overturned.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:18 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:18:27 GMT
The Ohio Associated Press Broadcasters released its 2013 award winners on Sunday.13abc was honored with five AP awards.1st Place - Best Producer: Shelly Gorringe1st Place - Outstanding Sports Operation1st
The Ohio Associated Press Broadcasters released its 2013 award winners on Sunday. 13abc was honored with five AP awards.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:42 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:42:35 GMT
On Monday, we'll likely climb to 88 degrees. If we reach 88 on Monday, it would become our warmest day since August 31st, when we reached 93 degrees. Monday's record high is 92 degrees, from May 20th of 1962.
On Monday, we'll likely climb to 88 degrees. If we reach 88 on Monday, it would become our warmest day since August 31st, when we reached 93 degrees. Monday's record high is 92 degrees, from May 20th of 1962.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:05:59 GMT
Owens Community College graduated more than 50 students Sunday who earned their GEDs.The students celebrated receiving their high school equivalence diplomas.Several students served as keynote speakers.
Owens Community College graduated more than 50 students Sunday who earned their GEDs.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:08:35 GMT
EDMOND, Okla. (AP) - A powerful storm system rumbled through the Plains and upper Midwest on Sunday, spawning tornadoes that damaged homes and buildings near Oklahoma City and put the Tulsa area on high-alert. There
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Sunday, May 19 2013 11:25 PM EDT2013-05-20 03:25:15 GMT
Another day, another domination for Taylor Swift: She was the red hot winner at the Billboard Music Awards. Swift won eight awards, including top artist and top Billboard 200 album for "Red." She told
Another day, another domination for Taylor Swift: She was the red hot winner at the Billboard Music Awards.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:36 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:36:19 GMT
Police are still searching for the suspects that shot and killed James "Jimmy" Safadi in his Waterville home early Saturday morning. About 6 a.m. Saturday, detectives say the three suspects described as
Police are still searching for the suspects that shot and killed James "Jimmy" Safadi in his Waterville home early Saturday morning.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:31 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:31:31 GMT
Northbound Route 23 was shut down on Sunday evening after a semi truck overturned.Part of the road was shut down as the crash scene was cleared. Several cars were involved in the accident, and there were
Northbound Route 23 was shut down on Sunday evening after a semi truck overturned.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:56 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:56:32 GMT
DAMASCUS, Va. (AP) - Authorities believe the driver who plowed into dozens of hikers marching in a Virginia mountain town parade suffered from a medical condition and did not cause the crash intentionally,
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Sunday, May 19 2013 8:52 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:52:38 GMT
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Sunday, May 19 2013 7:42 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:42:35 GMT
On Monday, we'll likely climb to 88 degrees. If we reach 88 on Monday, it would become our warmest day since August 31st, when we reached 93 degrees. Monday's record high is 92 degrees, from May 20th of 1962.
On Monday, we'll likely climb to 88 degrees. If we reach 88 on Monday, it would become our warmest day since August 31st, when we reached 93 degrees. Monday's record high is 92 degrees, from May 20th of 1962.
The Historic Church of Saint Patrick honored law enforcement officers Sunday morning at the 4th annual Blue Mass. It included bag pies and a candle display.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:18 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:18:27 GMT
The Ohio Associated Press Broadcasters released its 2013 award winners on Sunday.13abc was honored with five AP awards.1st Place - Best Producer: Shelly Gorringe1st Place - Outstanding Sports Operation1st
The Ohio Associated Press Broadcasters released its 2013 award winners on Sunday. 13abc was honored with five AP awards.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:53 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:53:46 GMT
WASHINGTON (AP) - A top White House adviser insisted Sunday that President Barack Obama learned the Internal Revenue Service had targeted tea party groups only "when it came out in the news" while Republicans
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