Naper event stresses need to remember 9/11, then move forward

• Reprints

The One Naperville interfaith group held a special event Sunday to bring people together concerning the emotions generated from the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. | Hilary Decent~For Sun-Times Media

Updated: November 9, 2011 3:57PM

At the end of a day remembering the despair of 9/11, more than 500 Napervillians came together Sunday in a spirit of release, renewal and hope for the future.

The inaugural event of One Naperville, an interfaith group representing the city’s many religions, filled the Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College and turned heads as a lengthy procession made its way to the amphitheater opposite the Dan Shanower Memorial on the Riverwalk.

Four hours after the solemnity of the 10th anniversary memorial ceremony held by the city of Naperville, different faiths came together to sing ‘Let there be Peace on Earth.”

Event co-organiser Bernie Newman of Congregation Beth Shalom said although it was important to remember those who perished in the tragedy, this was also “going forward in a way that shows kindness” adding “this is an event that is full of hope.”

The theme of the afternoon was “Remember, Release and Renew. “

“We have to figure out how we can release hatred so we can move forward,” Newman said.

The event was the brainchild of Lisa Telloman of Grace United Methodist Church.

“It’s turned out even better than I hoped because so many people got involved,” she said. “We want Naperville to sign a charter to be a city of compassion.”

The afternoon began with a children’s craft session at North Central College which included making One Naperville flags and learning about each other’s faiths. It was followed by an hour-long program of music, prayer and readings.

Addressing the audience, Mayor A George Pradel said: “I would love to have this city known as the city of love and compassion where everyone is treated as a brother or a sister. We were created equally and we want to be treated with respect. Let’s make this a city of love, Naperville, Illinois.”

Mohammed Waheed of Naperville’s Islamic Center said although there were no real problems here, many people have become islamaphobic since 9/11.

“Minorities are being targeted unnecessarily and that’s really sad,” he said.

His wife Rafath added: “We Muslim Americans are part of the fabric of America. On 9/11 people of all faiths were impacted nd people of all faiths lost their lives and loved ones, including many Muslims.”

Bob Atkins, pastor of Grace United, said we shouldn’t tolerate hatred.

“This is Naperville,” he said. “This is the kind of thing we do. If it is not going to happen here where will it happen?”

Buddhist Tak-Seng Lodro said in a city like Naperville where everyone seems to get along, you do not always know what people are thinking privately.

“We don’t know what is going on in the hearts of people and even if it is preaching to the choir, it is good preaching,” he said.