To the editor:

I would like to compliment the Lawrence Journal-World on the article published Monday, March 18, 2019, “Islamic Center talk of unity, love in wake of massacre,” describing how the center invited the community to join with them in commemorating the terrorist attack against fellow Muslims in New Zealand. The compassionate response to such a tragedy by the law enforcement agencies, the local Islamic Center, as well as the Journal-World is most reassuring.

My wife and I appreciated the opportunity to get to know one of our Islamic “neighbors” and to express our support for peace-loving Muslims here and elsewhere in dealing with this tragedy. The young man with whom we visited (together with his 4-year-old son) is a good example of someone who has contributed significantly to the welfare of others in our community. He, as well as so many other more recent immigrants, help make a richness of diversity in a country I love.

As an aside, I thought the photographer did a very good job in talking with us to set the stage for her photography.

Thanks again for your reporting and contributing to love and peace in Lawrence.

Jim Hasselle,

Lawrence