Muslims Invite Orlando Public To Fourth Of July Celebration

Doglips · 07-03-2004, 10:27 PM

Muslims Invite Orlando Public To Fourth Of July Celebration

POSTED: 9:30 pm EDT July 2, 2004

ORLANDO, Fla. -- After their afternoon prayers, members of the Islamic Society of Central Florida double-checked the moon-walk ride, unfolded American flag paper table cloths and began barbecuing chicken for a Fourth of a July open house for the larger Orlando community.

The celebration, the first of its kind for central Florida's burgeoning Muslim community, was as much about allowing the larger public to learn about them as it was about fireworks and flagwaving, although there were plenty of both.

"We're trying to break down stereotypes," said Areej Zufari, director of communications for the Islamic Society of Central Florida.

The war in Iraq and the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks left some American Muslims concerned about their acceptance in the United States. Just a last month, a Muslim woman in Freeport, Ill. and a Muslim man in San Diego were reported to have been attacked by people who shouted anti-Muslim slurs.

"There's a lot going on in the world and we thought this was an appropriate way to reaffirm our American values," Zufari said.

During the celebration, a local television and radio personality read the Declaration of Independence, firefighters from a nearby station allowed children to explore a fire truck, children bounced on the moon walk ride and boys in scout uniforms chased each other around.

Small plastic American flags were draped along fences leading to the center's main building. Tables were set up to register voters and to solicit blood donors for the American Red Cross, which was receiving the proceeds from the festival. Children waited in line beside the cotton candy machine.

"It dispels a lot of the myths that people have about Muslims," said Kevin Bitzinger, a Muslim covert. "It's 180 degrees away from how we're portrayed in the media."

A fierce thunderstorm moved the festival inside, but it didn't dampen any spirits.

Ann Franklin and her husband, David Peiper, brought their two children.

"Under what circumstances would I have a chance to come here? C'mon, I'm Jewish," said Franklin, a financial adviser whose mother is friends with Zufari's mother.

Franklin said she was impressed that the Muslim community had the courage to open their doors to the public.

"It takes some guts because they don't know who is going to show up," Franklin said. "Could the Klan show up? Could some rednecks show up? Sure."

Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

PAPA G · 07-04-2004, 12:03 AM

how was the chicken Doglips???

Doglips · 07-04-2004, 01:08 PM

Never made it...

07-04-2004, 04:02 PM

Some of the best food I have ever eaten in my life was at my best friend's family Eid parties. Eid symbolizes the end of Ramadan or period of fasting. It's enough to make me convert.

Rave · 07-05-2004, 02:06 PM

Hummm,sounds like the worse possible thing that could happen would be for some Klan folks or rednecks to show up,sounds like that would be far worse than a bomb,oh heck,who cares,klan folks and rednecks like barbecue too!

Rufus Rhastus J · 07-06-2004, 08:10 AM

you are bad, Rave!

07-03-2004, 10:27 PM	#1
Doglips Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Cocoa Florida Posts: 9,088	Muslims Invite Orlando Public To Fourth Of July Celebration Muslims Invite Orlando Public To Fourth Of July Celebration POSTED: 9:30 pm EDT July 2, 2004 ORLANDO, Fla. -- After their afternoon prayers, members of the Islamic Society of Central Florida double-checked the moon-walk ride, unfolded American flag paper table cloths and began barbecuing chicken for a Fourth of a July open house for the larger Orlando community. The celebration, the first of its kind for central Florida's burgeoning Muslim community, was as much about allowing the larger public to learn about them as it was about fireworks and flagwaving, although there were plenty of both. "We're trying to break down stereotypes," said Areej Zufari, director of communications for the Islamic Society of Central Florida. The war in Iraq and the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks left some American Muslims concerned about their acceptance in the United States. Just a last month, a Muslim woman in Freeport, Ill. and a Muslim man in San Diego were reported to have been attacked by people who shouted anti-Muslim slurs. "There's a lot going on in the world and we thought this was an appropriate way to reaffirm our American values," Zufari said. During the celebration, a local television and radio personality read the Declaration of Independence, firefighters from a nearby station allowed children to explore a fire truck, children bounced on the moon walk ride and boys in scout uniforms chased each other around. Small plastic American flags were draped along fences leading to the center's main building. Tables were set up to register voters and to solicit blood donors for the American Red Cross, which was receiving the proceeds from the festival. Children waited in line beside the cotton candy machine. "It dispels a lot of the myths that people have about Muslims," said Kevin Bitzinger, a Muslim covert. "It's 180 degrees away from how we're portrayed in the media." A fierce thunderstorm moved the festival inside, but it didn't dampen any spirits. Ann Franklin and her husband, David Peiper, brought their two children. "Under what circumstances would I have a chance to come here? C'mon, I'm Jewish," said Franklin, a financial adviser whose mother is friends with Zufari's mother. Franklin said she was impressed that the Muslim community had the courage to open their doors to the public. "It takes some guts because they don't know who is going to show up," Franklin said. "Could the Klan show up? Could some rednecks show up? Sure." Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

07-05-2004, 02:06 PM	#5
Rave Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 7,053	Hummm,sounds like the worse possible thing that could happen would be for some Klan folks or rednecks to show up,sounds like that would be far worse than a bomb,oh heck,who cares,klan folks and rednecks like barbecue too! __________________ USAF '62-'66 .

07-06-2004, 08:10 AM	#6
Rufus Rhastus J Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West, Central Florida, Third World America Posts: 6,339 Images: 1	you are bad, Rave! __________________ "They cannot be trusted.....The Romulans (our politicos) are without honor." Worf

07-04-2004, 12:03 AM	#2
PAPA G Guest Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: somerset, kentucky Posts: 11	how was the chicken Doglips???

07-04-2004, 01:08 PM	#3
Doglips Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Cocoa Florida Posts: 9,088	Never made it...

07-04-2004, 04:02 PM	#4
Mr. Kaneko Guest Posts: n/a	Some of the best food I have ever eaten in my life was at my best friend's family Eid parties. Eid symbolizes the end of Ramadan or period of fasting. It's enough to make me convert.