Muslim Children Gassed at Dayton Mosque After "Obsession" DVD Hits Ohio

This article is currently on the front page of DailyKos, a democratic political site. The sad part is that this news is not being covered by any major traditional media source:

Muslim Children Gassed at Dayton Mosque After "Obsession" DVD Hits Ohio
by Chris Rodda
Sun Sep 28, 2008 at 08:50:29 PM PDT

(From the diaries -- kos)
On Friday, September 26, the end of a week in which thousands of copies of Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West -- the fear-mongering, anti-Muslim documentary being distributed by the millions in swing states via DVDs inserted in major newspapers and through the U.S. mail -- were distributed by mail in Ohio, a "chemical irritant" was sprayed through a window of the Islamic Society of Greater Dayton, where 300 people were gathered for a Ramadan prayer service. The room that the chemical was sprayed into was the room where babies and children were being kept while their mothers were engaged in prayers. This, apparently, is what the scare tactic political campaigning of John McCain's supporters has led to -- Americans perpetrating a terrorist attack against innocent children on American soil.

Here is a first person account from one of the families from the mosque -- a mother and two of the small children who were in the room that was gassed -- the day after the attack occurred. This is an excerpt from an email:

Gas was sprayed into the room where the babies and children were being kept while their mothers prayed together their Ramadan prayers. Panicked mothers ran for their babies, crying for their children so they could flee from the gas that was burning their eyes and throats and lungs. She grabbed her youngest in her arms and grabbed the hand of her other daughter, moving with the others to exit the building and the irritating substance there.

"The paramedic said the young one was in shock, and gave her oxygen to help her breathe. The child couldn't stop sobbing."

"This didn't happen in some far away place -- but right here in Dayton, and to my friends. Many of the Iraqi refugees were praying together at the Mosque Friday evening. People that I know and love."

"I am hurt and angry. I tell her this is not America. She tells me this is not Heaven or Hell -- there are good and bad people everywhere."

"She tells me that her daughters slept with her last night, the little one in her arms and sobbing throughout the night. She tells me she is afraid, and will never return to the mosque, and I wonder what kind of country is this where people have to fear attending their place of worship?"

"The children come into the room, and tell me they want to leave America and return to Syria, where they had fled to from Iraq. They say they like me and other American friends -- but they are too afraid and want to leave. Should a 6 and 7 year old even have to contemplate the safety of their living situation?

"Did the anti-Muslim video circulating in the area have something to do with this incident, or is that just a bizarre coincidence? Who attacks women and children?"

"What am I supposed to say to them? My words can't keep them safe from what is nothing less than terrorism, American style. Isn't losing loved ones, their homes, jobs, possessions and homeland enough? Is there no place where they can be safe?"

"She didn't want me to leave her tonight, but it was after midnight, and I needed to get home and write this to my friends. Tell me -- tell me -- what am I supposed to say to them?"

When acting as a representative of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), the 501(c)3 non-profit organization that I work for, I cannot engage in political activities. The distribution of Obsession, however, although a political campaign scheme, clearly crosses over into the mission of MRFF. So, I'm going to make two statements here -- one in the capacity as MRFF's Research Director, and another as an individual whose disgust at the vile campaign tactics of John McCain's supporters completely boiled over when I opened up the email about children being gassed.

A statement as MRFF's Research Director:

The presidential campaign edition of the Obsession DVD, currently being distributed by the Clarion Fund, carries the endorsement of the chair of the counter-terrorism department of the U.S. Naval War College, using the name and authority of an official U.S. military institution not only to validate an attack the religion of Islam, but to influence a political campaign. For these reasons, this endorsement has been included in MRFF's second lawsuit against the Department of Defense, which was filed on September 25 in the Federal District Court in Kansas.

A statement from MRFF's Research Director as an individual and thoroughly appalled human being:

John McCain has a moral obligation to publicly censure the Clarion Fund, the organization that produced Obsession and is distributing the DVDs; to denounce the inflammatory, anti-Muslim message of Obsession; and to do everything in his power to stop any further campaign activities by his supporters that have the potential to incite violence.

Follow Naazish YarKhan on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@yarkhan

Comments

[Naazish YarKhan - Huffpost Blogger]

The two individuals portrayed as experts on Islam and most critical of its theology, are self proclaimed former PLO terrorist Walid Shoebat, and Nonie Darwish, daughter of a supposed martyr. They are both presented as Muslims speaking on behalf of Islam. No disclosure is made of the fact that neither of them claims to be Muslim or has such authority.

The claim of Shoebat, that he was a terrorist bomber in Palestine, was debunked in a March 30 article published in the Jerusalem Post. Another presumed expert in the film, Brigitte Gabriel, has been described by the New York Times as a radical Islamophobe. Other known Islamophobes are also featured.

The main message of the "Obsession" DVD is that the West today is in as much danger from radical Islam as it was from Naziism and that action must be taken.

The real danger of "Obsession" is that it is capable of inciting bigoted attitudes toward American Muslims and even hateful criminal acts. Distorting truths, deceitful generalizations and demonizing vulnerable minorities are unconscionable acts in advancing any political agenda. We thank The Enquirer for placing principle above profit in refusing to distribute this thinly disguised fear-mongering DVD.

[DennyInDayton]

When the truth comes out it really makes some of you look foolish. It turns out it was kids playing with pepper spray. I live 4 blocks from the mosque. They had a tent outside for their celebration because their building is so small. Most would have had no idea of what went on inside. Why didn't you pay attention when the leadership of the mosque dismissed any thought of a hate crime or connection to the DVD? Because it doesn't fit your template? The only hate I've seen is on blogs like this one.

My neighborhood has it's monthly meeting tonight and we are hoping to have an officer from the Dayton PD, maybe even the chief attend to gives us as much information as possible.

What's really funny is how you are all spreading fear while accusing others of spreading fear. Wow, get your meds changed.

Here is the current story:
http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/10/07/ddn100708mosquefolo.html

[Naazish YarKhan - Huffpost Blogger]

Wow. You are polite!

[amad]

Thank you for highlighting this act of terrorism against children right here in America. I wonder if the same "quiet treatment" would have occurred if instead of Muslims, we had Christian or Jewish kids? I also wonder why the Dayton newspaper changed the link to the original article to now point to a PC story of how this was not a hate-crime. Why not leave the original article and link and add another story with its own link, as is NORMAL?

I wrote a lengthy piece on this on MuslimMatters.org, with some details on who is behind this Obsession DVD. None other than our neocon friends and associates.

Please see this article:
In the Wake of “Obsession” Hate-DVDs: Muslim Children Gassed in Ohio Mosque
Link: http://tinyurl.com/4vzv9s

[DaveinMobile]

I'm not sure you should be saying this so matter of factly. The incident has been investigated and it turns out than HAZMAT found no evidence of any chemicals or any hate crime. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/09/28/ddn092808islamicweb.html We shouldn't jump the gun here. There was a can of pepper spray found somewhere in the neighborhood but it was a black can while the girl said the man had a white can. This might be a concocted story of some sort so we should wait for the results. If true though this is really sad.

[Chris Rodda - Huffpost Blogger]

The Dayton Daily News has scrubbed its first two stories on the attack, the ones that reported that the HAZMAT people did smell a chemical in the building, that two people had to be taken to the hospital and an undetermined number treated on the scene, and that the chemical spread widely enough that people in the prayer services began to run outside because they were having trouble breathing. It was one of these people who called 911. All that is available on the paper's website now are two later stories that make it look as if it was only one girl who was really affected, and a few others slightly affected. If you click on any links on other websites to the first two reports, you are redirected to the later article saying the police say this wasn't a hate crime.

Also, you're leaving out that the black pepper spray can found near the mosque was in a white and red bag, which does concur with the initial description from the girl who was watching the children, that the men she saw at the window were holding white and red canisters.

[AstridD]

What is reported is that a canister of pepper spray was found inside the mosque. and a young boy and his family were questioned. DennyInDayton is right. Inciting fear is simply wrong and doesn't matter which side it comes from. The sensationalist headline referring to "gassing" and meant to evoke the horrors of the Holocaust is despicable since the only reason for it was to garner personal attention and further some other agenda. We all know the reason that DVD was distributed was to encourage people to vote republican. The article above uses similar tactics to incite fear and panic where there is no need for it. Not any better.

[Naazish YarKhan - Huffpost Blogger]

I'd like to take a step back. When one says concocted story, what you're implying is that a whole community - in this case Muslims - are conspiring to lie? Even if it was one can of pepper spray,
( which it wasn't) it was one can too many. Think of it this way - we'd be in an uproar if someone fondled an underage child. We wouldn't have to wait till that child was sexually molested to be outraged. So also injustice and hatred of any kind - there is no room for it. We don't have to wait till a someone loses an eye or 50 people are hurt to be outraged. Would one can of pepper spray be acceptable or less incriminatory if it was a Jewish or Christian child we were talking about ? More interviews with Dayonites on this issue on their way....

[DennyInDayton]

Yes, made up turns out to be the real story. I live just 4 blocks from this Mosque and if you look at what was said by the members of the Mosque, the police and the media you would have know up front it wasn't an attack.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/10/07/ddn100708mosquefolo.html

The things that have been said in these post are so lacking of facts it's really pitiful. If the woman who gave a statement to the police is found to have made it up I hope she is charged with inciting panic. I can understand the children making something up to cover up they were playing with the pepper spray, but if the woman participated, yes it would be a lie.

My neighborhood is very upset about this, we are hoping the police will have an officer at our meeting tonight to give us more information.

[Rianna]

The government has to nip this in the bud, before it becomes an epidemic. Bigots are acting out of hatred and ignorance. That recent anti Islamic DVD being distributed for political gain, would have added fuel to the fire. Throughout history, every religion has had its share of violence, and terrorized innocent people.
You cannot judge Islam by the acts of extremists, who choose to interpret the Quran to suit their deadly purpose, just as you cannot judge Catholics by the horrible acts during the crusades. Most Muslims are peace loving people, and many have themselves been the victims of these terrorists, in Iraq, and elsewhere, by being blown up in market places, and public areas.

[Arbereshe]

I too am disgusted by this despicable attack but I am even more angry that the mainstream media has ignored it. I've written to CNN and the New York Times but I don't expect much from either. It has become fashionable to attack every Muslim in America despite the fact that 99.9% of them abhor violence.

[Naazish YarKhan - Huffpost Blogger]

If you're an 18 to 25 year old and really want to get proactive in fighting this hate-mongering, do check out http://ifyc.org/events/DIYS Days of Interfaith Youth Service (DIYS) Quickstart Guide:

DIYS events combine community service and interfaith dialogue around shared values. Get started hosting an event in your community today! Contact Amber Hacker at [e-mail] or visit their website for more information.

[Freesia2]

There's a standard that is set for anyone, no matter the battle, whatever the cause they are supporting...You don't intentionally attack or take an action that might endanger mentally or physically disabled people, old people, pregnant women or children. Especially children. When you do that, it doesn't matter what you stand for, you now officially stand for nothing.

These people stand for nothing. They are nothing.

[Naazish YarKhan - Huffpost Blogger]

It's great that there are people who care! I actually can't thank you enough for actually caring. I was recently at a training organized by the Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) and one piece of advice that really stuck was promoting an alternative narrative - one that talks of religious pluralism and cooperation instead of just responding to the drivel being offered by those who hate.
This film Obessession stereotypes all Muslims and is an example of how the “Clash of Civilizations” framework is being fueled in this country.
According to IFYC, an alternative narrative—that of religious pluralism—must be put forth, and this is where you come in. This narrative is one of cooperation, instead of a clash. We strongly believe that the issue of religious pluralism must be deemed urgent by people from all faiths, especially in our country which has become the most religiously diverse country in the world and in history.
An example is what Brad Seligmann http://bridge-builders.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2315767%3ABlogPost%3A2376 is planning to do on his campus to deal with this issue!
I'll add more tips on how you can do something and be part of the solution in my next post. Thanks again! It really means alot to me that you chose to be fair-minded at at time when it's so easy to hate.

[Freesia2]

I'm sure many of people care Naazish. The world has just gotten so ugly, and people are kind of paralyzed I think.

You keep writing and putting out the information. A suggestion? You might think of contacting Keith Olbermann at MSNBC. He has the segment "Worst Persons In The World" every evening and mentions 3 real baddies for the day. This might be something he would cover. My question would be who is worse - the people who sent the dvds, the people who gassed the Mosque, or the press who have failed to cover it properly? Hmmmm - he could actually give all 3 to just this in one fell swoop.

Might be worth checking on.

[Naazish YarKhan - Huffpost Blogger]

It's great you mention that Freesia2 because in Islam it clearly states that even in warfare one does not hurt civilians, women and children, bridges, buildings, trees.. the list goes on and on. There are explicit rules when engaging in war. Read a translation because relying on the likes of Bin Laden (who is nothing more than a twisted politician) for interpretation isn't the best way forward.

[sus1]

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette included it in Sunday's paper. I have just emailed them. If any of you live in my area, please do the same.

[Naazish YarKhan - Huffpost Blogger]

Do write an op-ed voicing your thoughts!

[Dynamohum]

I am very disappointed in certain individuals and groups in this country whose primary purpose is to distort fantasy into reality about any group of people, especially those in the minority. This is a disgusting act for someone to carry out. I sometimes have felt that there is more of a threat from within this country, than from any foreign one.

Sorry that this happened. I truly hope that the victims find some peace at some point. It will be hard to get over it, especially for the children.

[Nommo]

These are the same savages who firebombed Black churches. Never forget those four little girls in a Birmingham church.

[PioneerKing]

The republican party has allowed bigotry and intolerence to manifest and spread throughout America and are treating Arab and Muslim Americans as they have treated Blacks in America. Muslims need to understand the intolerence that they shelter when they support republican candidates.

Republican politics preys on fear and the republicans are using fear this election -- they will announce some big terror threat or supposed capture of major terrorist within the last 21 days of the campaign just to solidify American fears of Muslims, Sen. Obama and the Democratic Party

[vegas9999]

I have been telling my friends in England that the people you welcomed, fed, sheltered and gave clothing to and who in return for your goodness tried to blow you up , well that was propaganda put out there to win elections.

[Freesia2]

HuffPost's Pick

Pardon me? But that was a bit of a cheap shot.

I'd venture that PioneerKing and anyone else reading here - no one denies the truth of the London tube bombings. But they were done by a few, not the whole. You might as well say that all Christians are the Branch Dividians of Waco, all Catholic priests tamper with choir boys, all Jews are zionists and suicide bombers aimed at Palestine. Religions are a common belief system participated in by many individuals. Some of those individuals are bad, some are not. Some of the people taken in by England are sick about what their fellow Muslims did. They were as helpless to stop it as your English friends.

[Naazish YarKhan - Huffpost Blogger]

Timothy McVeigh was also a terrorist. Why has"Muslim" or "Islam" for that matter been made to equal "terrorist" when the bad guys come in all manner of shapes, sizes and backgrounds. Do read Being Muslim by Haroon Siddiqui - it promises to be an eye-opener!

[ofcoursejesusisblack]

It seems the latest "in thing" is to persecute Muslims. I received this DVD as an insert in my mail. I have yet to view this piece of trash but if what I am hearing is true then I will gladly set it on fire once I do.

[Nolana]

Instead of burning it (burning plastic=nasty fumes), how about cutting it into bits and sending it back to the Clarion Fund?

[tomjones44]

hahaha do both

[ofcoursejesusisblack]

Will do!

[Naazish YarKhan - Huffpost Blogger]

Do remember the victims in your prayers!

[Naazish YarKhan - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank you so much. Do remember the victims in your prayers!