I usually address issues regarding culture and music, but recent events compel me to speak out regarding a particular matter. I am deeply outraged by the news that an extremist clergyman in my country plans to commemorate the September 11 attacks by burning the Holy Quran. I am offended by this both as an American and as a Jew. As an American, this is antithetical to the basic principle of religious tolerance upon which my country was founded. As a Jew, this proposed insanity recalls the painful history of Nazi Germany where torahs and synagogues were burned in an effort to extinguish my religion. The Nazis failed and whatever the hateful intentions of this pastor, they are doomed to fail as well. What this event proves is that every country, including mine, has its bigoted extremists. Americans are reminded not to judge other religions or cultures by their fringe elements, just as we should not be judged by ours. It is the center where most people live, and in the center is tolerance. So what should the reaction be to this extremism? There is the old biblical expression “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” Shall we add to this “a book for a book?” Should those who are justly offended react by burning copies of the Christian Holy Bible? I pray this does not happen. This will only make the blaze larger. We must understand that the real fire that needs to be put out is the fire of hatred altogether. This offense does, however, pose a challenge for the people of my country to clearly affirm the rights of all to practice religion freely and without fear. This is the challenge for me and my countrymen. Those who have rightly been offended around the world may judge us by our response. As I write this, I clearly see that the challenge is being met. There is overwhelming backlash against this proposed action and peaceful gatherings to promote respect for all faiths. Every religion has its extremists. But extremists do not define us — the vast majority of us — who wish live together in peace. ** Bruce Craig Roter is an associate professor at The College of Saint Rose. He is the composer of A Camp David Overture (Prayer for Peace) BM
