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Community Corner

Locals Embrace Islamic Center

Hillside Islamic Center experiences little or no resistance in wake of 9/11.

It has been a decade since the unforgettable tragic events of September 11 and as the nation continues to heal many members of the community will reflect on the victims and those responsible for committing these unforgivable crimes, including the board and members of the in New Hyde Park.

While many Islamic organizations across the country experienced opposition from the general public after the September 11 attacks, the Hillside Islamic Center was among the fortunate ones that received very little resistance, recalled the center's Board President Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan.

According to Bhuiyan, outside of a few incidences when the center first opened eight years ago, nothing significant has happened.

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Bhuiyan said that the center has received a few hate voicemails where people said threatening things and demanded an explanation as to why the center was opening up in this neighborhood. He also said that about a year after the center opened, rocks were thrown into the windows of the center, but no one ever came to the center or threatened any of the congregants directly.

“We understand that the community was concerned as any community would be concerned,” Bhuiyan said.  “These incidents could have happened at any time and to any religious organization not only Muslims.”

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He commended the police at the for being “responsive and cooperative” at the time of the incidents and applauded their vigilance over the years.

Bhuiyan and his congregants will be among the many Americans this September 11 reflecting on the events.

“This was a very tragic incident that no country, no nation or humanity should ever have to experience," Bhuiyan said.  "Whoever is responsible for it, they are guilty. There is no justification for killing innocent people."

When it comes close to this time of year, Bhuiyan said he makes a conscious effort to remind the congregants to strive not to become victim of negative comments or acts.

“We let our congregants know that this is a sensitive time and tell them to be careful not to react to any negativity,” Bhuiyan said.

Bhuiyan reinforces that the goal of the Hillside Islamic Center is to “promote peace and tranquility and to participate with others in the community who have similar goals and objectives.”

The Hillside Islamic Center, which opened its doors in 2003, is the only Islamic center in the area and services hundreds of local Muslims within a 10 mile radius.

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