Thousands Turn Out for Tri-Faith Mosque Open House
Chatter of excited conversations filled the American Muslim Institute.
Almost 3,000 people toured Omaha's new mosque and cultural center during an open house.
"To have this turn out is just amazing," Hesham Basma said. He is on the board of the American Muslim Institute.
Organizers were expected about 800 people to visit during the two hour period. Three times as many came to say hello.
"I think Omaha is the perfect place for this wonderful curious community to hold those conversations," Tracey Holdorson said.
Barefoot Christians and Jews spoke with the mosque's Imam, a muslim leader in the prayer room.
"We wanted to take the opportunity to share our organization with the community at large. It's important to tell our community what is here and what we have to offer," Karim Khayati, Vice President of American Muslim Institute.
"This speaks to the quality of people we have in Nebraska and the Midwest," Khayati said.
As thousands celebrate their new friendships in Omaha, Iraqi Muslims celebrate in Mosul. They celebrate with troops their triumph over Isis. The Islamic State used the city as a stronghold for years. Iraqi troops fought them for the past nine months. Now finally, driving them out.
"We have two in one here celebrating the open of the mosque and at the same time we are also celebrating finally getting Mosul back," Hesham Basma said.
The mosque and cultural center is part of the Tri-Faith Initiative.
A synagogue is already on campus. Countryside Community Church will move to
132nd and Pacific next year.
By 2018, a park and community center will be built on the 38 acres.
Leaders hope other cities across the country will follow and build their own tri-faith centers in their own communities.
Source: KETV
