Leaders of various faith communities came together Monday in the civil rights collection room of the Nashville Public Library downtown to commit to supporting their neighbors, no matter the neighbors’ religious background.
The Faith and Culture Center of Nashville, a nonprofit supported primarily by the local Islamic community, presented a $22,500 check to the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga that will go to the families of victims who died in the shootings there on July 16. Four Marines and a Navy sailor were killed.
Daoud Abudiab, president of the Faith and Culture Center, said the center took the initiative to raise the money because the local and regional community has supported Islamic centers when they have come under attack. He said because the suspected shooter, Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, identified as a Muslim, the local Islamic community has felt it was important for its members to come out strongly and reject Abdulazeez’s actions.
“We want to come condemn the actions of this person and say that they are not representative of our faith,” Abudiab said. “We are here today to counter the actions of someone who has sought to disrupt out society. We are part of the American society, and when our neighbor is hurt we should all offer help and prayer and stand together.”
Other religious leaders who contributed to the fund spoke as well, including Tony Richie, a Christian pastor from Knoxville, and Bernard Werthan, an active member and past president of The Temple in Nashville.
Pete Cooper, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, said more good has followed the shooting in Chattanooga than any other such event he has seen.
"This event has shown how neighbors can truly come together for one another," he said, "even during the worst of times."
Abudiab said more funds were donated Monday morning, in addition to the amount on the check.