Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Bay Area Event: Return to Daylight - Public Reading of the Qur'an in Berkeley on September 11th

I received this via the Bay Area Women in Black today:
Please announce and spread the word.

A Florida minister, Terry Jones, together with 50 of his followers, is planning an act of religious hatred and intolerance, the public burning of copies of the Qur'an (the Muslim holy scriptures containing the words of the prophet Muhammad) on Saturday, September 11.  This hateful act has been widely condemned around the world, including by General David Petraeus, commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

In response, and as an act of religious fellowship and solidarity, people of faith here in the Bay Area are joining others across the country for an interfaith public reading of the Qur'an on the same day.  The event will take place at Ohlone Park, in Berkeley on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010 at 3:15 PM.

We will meet at the corner of Sacramento and Delaware at 3:15 and together find a good spot in the park.

We shall all symbolically stand with Muslim Americans and read aloud in English parts of the Qur'an, affirming that we will not stand by silently while others perpetrate un-American acts of hate in the name of patriotism or religion.

All people -- of any faith or no faith -- are welcome to join us.  We will read and discuss the Qur'an for about 30 - 45 minutes. The official event will then end, but some of us may choose to stay and share our thoughts and feelings.

The park has facilities to entertain children while parents take part in the reading and discussion.

September 11 this year for Jews is Shabbat Shuvah, the Sabbath of returning and renewal between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  September 11th this year is also  just after the last day of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, prayer, purification, forgiveness and renewal. Materials about Ramadan will also be available for people to learn about this important Muslim observance.  Please join us in standing up for religious coexistence and for the celebration of what we all can learn from people of varied faiths.
Please Spread
אור חדש
   Return to Daylight 
Defending and Restoring Liberty Under Siege

Robin Braverman
Joel Siegel
Project Coordinators