AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Mosques across Southern California welcomed people from various faiths on Sunday as part of "Open Mosque Day 2024."
Organized by the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, the event aimed to build bridges between communities, challenge stereotypes, and promote a deeper understanding of Islam, The Sun reported on Monday.
The event, which took place at several mosques, including the La Mirada Masjid, brought together a diverse group of attendees from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other backgrounds.
Visitors were given the opportunity to learn about the core principles of Islam and engage in discussions with community leaders.
Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA), emphasized the importance of such initiatives in the current climate. "This past year has been extraordinarily challenging for American Muslims,"
Ayloush said in a statement. “CAIR-LA has recorded the highest number of complaints of anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab bias in its 30-year history.”
The rise in tensions, especially amid the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, has fueled an increase in hate crimes against both Muslims and Jews, as noted in a recent report from the California Department of Justice. The report highlighted a marked increase in statewide hate crimes during 2023.
"In times of hardship, community solidarity has always been a crucial factor, as we continue to create a unified front against prejudice and hate," Ayloush added. "The last 12 months have shown us that this form of education and interfaith solidarity is still very much needed."
Mosques throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties participated in "Open Mosque Day." Along with La Mirada, centers such as Masjid Al-Shareef in Long Beach, the Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley in Rowland Heights, and the Islamic Center of Southern California in Los Angeles opened their doors. In Riverside and Corona-Norco, mosques also welcomed interfaith organizations and residents.
Across Orange County, the Islamic Institute of Orange County in Anaheim, the Islamic Society of Orange County in Garden Grove, and other local mosques participated.
Ayloush highlighted the broader goals of the event: “This event is not just about educating others about Islam. It’s about strengthening connections, building bridges, and highlighting our shared values of respect, compassion, and tolerance … values that unite us all, regardless of faith or background.”
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