Churches, synagogue offer to help Texas mosque razed by fire

Churches, synagogue offer to help Texas mosque razed by fire | iNFOnews.ca
Victoria firefighters respond to a fire at the Islamic Center of Victoria on Saturday, Jan. 28 in Victoria, Texas. The early-morning fire Saturday destroyed the mosque that was a target of hatred several years ago and experienced a burglary just a week ago. (Barclay Fernandez/The Victoria Advocate via AP)

VICTORIA, Texas – Four churches and a synagogue have offered to host prayer services for members of a South Texas mosque that was destroyed by fire last weekend.

Omar Rachid, a member of the Islamic Center of Victoria, said Thursday that the offers gave “comfort at a time of great loss.”

He says the congregation has decided instead to use a commercial building that provides the space and amenities to accommodate prayer services.

Demolition of the charred remains of the mosque began Wednesday and the intention is to rebuild on the same site.

A GoFundMe campaign to rebuild the mosque has exceeded $1 million.

City spokesman O.C. Garza said Thursday it could take several weeks before the cause of the fire is determined.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles