CLEMMONS – Clemmons’ residents went to their city mosque to attend a community prayer meeting in a show of solidarity and support to their Muslim neighbors following recent threats to the Muslim community at a political meeting in Kernersville last month.

“This is a question of support,” Mary Cameron, a resident who was sporting a badge that identified her as a member of the Clemmons Council, told Journal Now on Tuesday, February 28.

“It’s great that they are here in the community.”

Cameron was among about 200 people at a Friday prayer service and town hall to show support for local Muslims, who were threatened at a political meeting in Kernersville last month.

As first reported in Triad City Beat, one person at the meeting talked about “killing the hell” out of Muslims; another specifically mentioned the mosque’s school, known in Arabic as a madrassa.

Leaders of the mosque took the threat seriously enough to keep children inside during its Sunday classes last week. The threat also prompted the mosque leaders to reach out to the community for an open house of sorts.

The community responded, filling the mosque for the prayer service to capacity.

The community’s heartwarming reaction was welcomed by the Muslim community.

Dina Shehata, an Advance resident and graduate of Davie County High School, said a typical Friday prayer service might draw 50 people.

“I was so touched. All the support we are getting is truly heartwarming,” she said.

“Now people are realizing it’s more important than ever to have this important dialogue.”

During the service, Shehata answered questions about her faith and how it views women.

“I urge you to meet other Muslim women. Noor can attest,” she said, nodding toward her sister, a student at West Forsyth High School.

“We’re outspoken. We’re outgoing.”