(This letter was sent to Principal DeAngelis of Columbine High School from the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury.)

We and the 261 members of the congregation who signed this letter, wish to express our deepest sorrow for the tragic event that took place at the Columbine High School on Tuesday, April 20, which took 15 innocent lives and shook not only your peaceful town and the hearts of its residents but everyone here as well. So horridly, for our inescapable attention once again, it unfolds the national scene of ugly back stage including:

* Keeping God out of schools

* breakdown of families

* lack of adherence to moral values

* accessibility to lethal arms.

Our youth are our wealth and our future. It is quite disturbing to know that there are young minds, who instead of offering their best to their communities, resort to violence. Is there a hidden cry for help in these youngsters for loving care and attention, who go to all lengths to stand out and to be noticed, even through acts of violence? May God help us to detect, reach out and help them to prevent such reoccurrences?

Our sympathies are with those who lost their children, friends and relatives in time of peace as if in time of war. We know that no words can heal their aching hearts, but pray that the deaths of their loved ones will not be in vain but move us closer to God and to work harder in bringing love and harmony to our families and peaceful co-existence among all God's servants and creatures.

This letter may not be complete without urging everyone to call on our representatives and senators to support Bill #(H.R. 1342) entitled "The Children's Gun Violence Prevention Act of 1999" sponsored by Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy of New York and co-sponsored by 21 other representatives.

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "Those who tread the path of knowledge, Allah/God will admit them to heaven and those who die in the pursuit of knowledge, Allah will take them as martyrs."

Al-Haaj Ghazi Y. Khankan

Director of Interfaith and Communication