Muslim 'Proud to Be American' Rally in Huntington

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone joined members of the Muslim community, local officials and leaders of other faiths at the Proud to Be American rally at Masjid Noor in Huntington on Friday.

“Our nation is going through some difficult times. Heated rhetoric by some is causing division and unnecessarily exacerbating emotions,’’ the County Executive said. “Suffolk County is a place that celebrates its diversity, and welcomes and acknowledges the contributions that all our residents make to our economy and our quality of life. The Muslim community is an essential thread in the American tapestry, and the story of this nation would be incomplete without it. Muslims practice in our hospitals, protect our communities, run small businesses, serve in our armed forces and have even made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. I am honored to serve this community and to count Muslims among my neighbors.”

Christian and Jewish leaders also spoke out against bigotry against Muslims, as did local elected officials.