JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The soot has been washed away but evidence from the May attack on a Jacksonville mosque is still visible. Now, a group of a different faith is offering to repair it. “I simply called Ash (Shaikh) to find out if there was anything to do to help out,” said Ken Organes, who represents the Jacksonville Jewish Center Men’s Club.
Organes said he was dismayed when he heard about the attack and offered the services of some of the Men’s Club members to repair the damage caused by the pipe bomb. “We have a group of guys who like to do carpentry, painting or whoever we can to help out,” he said.
Ash Shaikh, spokesman for the Islamic Center, called the offer heartwarming and said they are grateful for the assistance. “No matter what the extent of the repairs, the very fact that someone of another faith tradition is going to take the time and is so concerned to show his compassion and the compassion of his community,” Shaikh said of the tremendous support they’ve received from the Jewish community.