Keeping the pace with peace

In the heat of an August afternoon, a diverse group of Columbians took to the streets calling for resolution of a violent conflict half a world away.

Following their Friday afternoon prayer session, members of the Islamic Center of Central Missouri joined other members of the community in a march planned by the ICCM to express their sentiments about the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

The group of about 80 protesters made their way from the parking lot behind the Islamic Center, at 201 S. Fifth St., to the office of U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo., on West Broadway, and then to the office of U.S. Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., on Cherry Street.

“The goal is peace and justice,” said march director Rashed Nizam. Some marchers carried signs calling for an unconditional cease-fire, while others held posters condemning Israel for what they called a disproportionate use of force and for the high number of civilian casualties in Lebanon. Nizam entered both Hulshof’s and Bond’s offices to deliver a prepared statement issued by the Islamic Center on the conflict.

“We, as conscientious citizens of Central Missouri, must speak out against this aggression, and show support to our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Lebanon,” read a portion of the statement.

After leaving Hulshof’s office, the group stopped at the intersection of Broadway and Providence Road to elicit support for their cause. One sign reading “Honk 4 Peace” prompted honks from passing drivers but also a few less-desired gestures.

For some protesters, the march was about more than the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Jeff Stack, coordinator of the Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation, fasted for nonviolence on Friday as part of the “Troops Home Fast” initiative. The movement, in conjunction with the Columbia Peace Coalition, promotes the withdrawal of all U.S. military forces from the Middle East.

Stack said he found hope in the participation in Friday’s demonstration.

“People all over are refusing to accept violence and war,” he said. “Israel should be a true active partner for peace in the region.”

Muhammad Eldeib, 59, said it is important to understand the peaceful nature of Islam that some people, he believes, associate with extremist or militant groups, he said.

“Islam is not the terrorist religion that is presented to the public,” he said.

He also spoke to the U.S. government’s political support of Israel’s military incursions into Lebanon.

“As stated in the tradition of prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, support your brother if he is right, and when he is wrong, you hold on his hand to prevent him from doing wrong,” Eldeib said.

Imam Nabeel Khan of the ICCM was unable to attend the march in Columbia, but he participated in a similar demonstration Friday afternoon in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he was visiting family.

Overall, Nizam said he was pleased with the attendance at Friday’s march, but was still concerned about the continuing violence in Lebanon. He added that while an immediate cease-fire is necessary, it is not an ultimate resolution.

“It has to be a long-term solution,” he said. “You have to listen to both parties.”

He said he wanted to dispel the notion some people have that the current conflict is about religion.

“I think it’s a total political issue,” he said. “Muslims aren’t out to eradicate the Jewish people or their religion. God refers to them in the Quran as people of the Book.”

A current U.N. agreement — approved Friday — calls for a joint force of Lebanese and international soldiers to en-

force a buffer zone in southern Lebanon on the Israeli border and ultimately disarm Hezbollah.

Rabbi Yossi Feintuch of Congregation Beth Shalom said that while he is looking forward to an end to the conflict, he views the U.N. proposal with a certain degree of scrutiny.

“It’s something that hasn’t happened before,” he said. “One has to be cautiously optimistic.”

Roger Nahas, a chemistry student at MU, said he hopes a cease-fire can be reached soon. His family has had to abandon their home and business in Beirut, seeking refuge with family friends in the mountains northeast of the city. He said he speaks with his parents on a daily basis and that the news out of Lebanon is not good.

“No one is optimistic,” he said. “It’s getting worse than ever.”

Nahas said he had grown increasingly upset with the destruction of his country and the lack of expediency from the international community to reach a resolution that would end the violence.

“No matter who wins, the Lebanese people lost,” he said.