Mid-Michigan Muslim, Christian Arab-Americans Speak Out Against Quran Burning
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Florida Preacher Terry Jones is accused of provoking deadly attacks and protests in Afghanistan after burning the Quran in front of a small crowd late last month.
In Mid-Michigan, both Muslim and Christian Arab-Americans are offended by the burning of the Holy book and say Jones should be held liable for the damage.
“It’s unfortunate that a so-called Christian would speak a message of hate and intolerance,” said Mona Sahrouri, executive director of the Arab-American Heritage Council-Flint.
Sahouri is a Christian Arab-American who is astonished by the preacher’s actions.
Since the burning and mock trial of the Quran, outrage has broken out in Afghanistan. Demonstrations there have now left more than 20 people dead.
“As an American, I actually am very very offended because one of the reasons Arab-Americans actually choose the United States of America is because of its values,” Sahrouri said.
A local Muslim Arab-American says Jones should feel responsible for evoking the deadly attacks.
“He knew and he was warned last September when he was threatening to burn the Quran that this would cause some damage and some killing of innocent American interests,” said Abed Khirfan, the managing director of the Flint Islamic Center.
Jones, though, isn’t expressing guilt.
“We do not feel responsible, no. We feel more that the Muslims and radical sect of Islam use that as an excuse,” Jones said.
Both Sahouri and Abed believe the effects of Jones burning the Islamic Holy Book will linger in the Arab community.
“It’s really undermining us and our safety. The Muslim community has been here for hundreds of years and they have been nothing but faithful Americans and contributing Americans,” Sahouri said.
Jones is expected to visit the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn later this month. He plans on protesting there on Good Friday.
Iris Perez
ABC12