Somali Community Upset Over Demeaning Poster

(LEWISTON,  Main. January 05, 2008 Ceegaag Online)

 Daawo

Members of the Somali community in Lewiston say a poster put up in front of a local Somali owned store is an insult to their religion.

The poster depicts a vicious "lost" dog named Mohammed. That's the name of the Muslim prophet. It says that the dog is not good with children and can't be trusted.

Hussein Ahmed, the owner of the store, says the phone number on the poster is fake and that the only place it was put up was right near his business.

"This is really a religious statement," said Hussein Ahmed, "that is an attack on our religion which we don't feel comfortable with. We see this as a very bad insulting situation."

Rabbi Hillel Katzir of the Temple Shalom in Auburn says its the kind of incident that can't be tolerated.

"Attacking or making fun of any religion," said Katzir, "is the same as attacking and making fun of all religions. If we don't stop it here, who's next? Someboy will be next. That's guaranteed. We know that from history."

Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert says the poster gives the city an undeserved bad name. Gilbert met with members of the Somali community Friday afternoon to listen to their concerns. He says police are investigating.

Source: WCSH6 Portland

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