Local Islamic Society more vigilant in wake of New Zealand attacks
NASHUA – Islamic Society of Greater Nashua leaders will likely review the security of Millyard offices and mosque in the near future, but there are no plans to lock the place down during prayers or other activities, a board member said Tuesday.
Mir Ali, a member of the society’s board of directors, said while some members have raised concerns regarding security in the wake of the massacres that led to at least 50 deaths last week at two New Zealand mosques, the society will continue to be a welcoming place.
“Yes, we’ve been more careful, a little more vigilant, during prayer time,” Ali said. “Since that happened, there are some people who say, maybe we should have more security,” he added, referring to the attacks.
Ali said a security review “is going to happen at some time,” and the topic will likely come up at the society’s next community meeting, which are held quarterly.
However, Ali is quick to add, the open invitation to anyone who wants to visit remains firmly in place.
“If anyone wants to come join us, we’re always open to that,” he said. Quite frequently, he added, “people of other faiths are showing up at prayer times. It’s very much appreciated.”
The society has always focused heavily on awareness of its customs and basic tenets of worship, hosting various programs that include two public open houses each year in the spring and fall.
The date of this spring’s open house has yet to be firmed up, Ali said, but it will take place in April.
In the meantime, Ali called “very comforting” the strong support the society and its members have received from “the Greater Nashua community.”
“Very often, if you hear about other people and don’t meet them, there’s a perception … that can turn into hate,” Ali said, referring to members of different cultures or ethnic groups who judge from afar.
“We believe that as we get to know each other, the hate goes away.”
In a statement posted on its website (www.isgn.org) and its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/isgn.org), society leaders said the society “condemns the horrific terrorist attacks at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.
“ISGN and our members would like to send our condolences to the families of the victims. Our prayers are with them,” it states.
The statement also calls for “everyone to come together at this difficult time to stamp out the evil of Islamophobia, and all other hatred based on race and religion.”