Rochester's faith communities gather by the hundreds to show support for area Muslims

Democrat and Chronicle

In the wake of Friday's terrorist attack on two mosques in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, Rochester's faith communit gathered to show support for area Muslims on Sunday afternoon.

Hundreds of people clustered around the entrance of the Islamic Center of Rochester, 727 Westfall Road in Brighton. Many held up handmade signs with encouraging words — messages like "We stand with you against hate" and "May peace be with you."

Alisha Khan, 17, handed out flowers to visitors standing outside in the cold, stopping to share a hug with someone every few minutes. She said the turnout shocked her — she had no idea this many people in Rochester had felt the need to be there and show their support.

Alisha Khan, right, hands out flowers to people who gathered in front of the Islamic Center of Rochester on Sunday, March 17, 2019, in a show of support after a terrorist attack in New Zealand on Friday.

Listening to the crowd begin to sing together and hold hands brought her to tears.

"Everyone that came, we're really thankful for them," Khan said. "It shows that everyone appreciates us and we belong here and we're loved."

The Levine Center to End Hate and the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester organized the gathering in response to the shooting in New Zealand. Around 1:30 p.m., everyone outside was invited to gather inside the mosque for a prayer and to hear statements from community leaders.

Brighton Town Supervisor Bill Moehle spoke, condemning acts of violence around the world and urging those in the Rochester area not to condone hate. Kevin McGowan, superintendent of the Brighton Central School District, encouraged parents to seek support in their school communities.

Through tears, the Levine Center's Director Karen Elam implored everyone in the over-crowded room to be kind to one another. As the organizer of the gathering, she said the overwhelming turnout was much more than she expected — and a reflection of Rochester's benevolent interfaith community.

"This is just remarkable," Elam said. "I thank you all for being here and thank you all for standing in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters."

TRACYS@Gannett.com

GSILVAROLE@Gannett.com

Women look out the window at the Islamic Center of Rochester on March 17, 2019.

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