The event was co-organized by Erin Bustin of Grinnell, who said she wanted to find a way to show her support for Muslims after mosques around the country were vandalized or sent hate mail in recent months.

It also followed President Donald Trump signing of two executive orders banning citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the US, which put American Muslims in the middle of political debates.

Therefore, she reached out to the Rev. Wendy Abrahamson in Grinnell, who contacted Imam Tawil. Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus, Meskwaki Native Americans, atheists and Christians spoke at the event to show support for Muslims and religious freedom.

After the speeches, the group sang “This Land is Your Land” and formed a symbolic human shield around the small, white building.

“Today, Iowans stand with, alongside and around our Muslim friends and neighbors to tell you that you are loved, you are welcome, and you are part of us,” Bustin said.

Source: AboutIslam.net