More than 150 people attended an open house at the a Bellbrook Mosque over the weekend.
The event, hosted by the Islamic Society of Greater Dayton, was organized as part of an effort to increase dialogue and understanding among people of different faith traditions in the Miami Valley.
“There are a lot of misconceptions about Islam today," said Yaser Zatreh, president of the Islamic Society. "And we hope by opening our community center to our neighbors and our community to help dispel those misconceptions, and to help share the true image of Islam and Muslims.”
The open house featured information booths explaining different facets of the Muslim faith, and opportunities for conversation.
John Miller, of Bellbrook, came to the event with his daughter. He says he has worried about her exposure to Muslim stereotypes propagated in the media.
“I think it’s important for us, and for her, to talk to people from that faith community and meet people. And that way as she gets older and she grows up in a very diverse world and global community, that she understands.”
Zatreh says mosque leaders are working to organize similar interfaith events with other religious and community groups in the coming months.
