Dallas celebrated Israel at the American Airlines Center

 In Dallas, thousands turned out yesterday to take part in the "Party on the Plaza: A Celebration of Israel," at American Airlines Center. According to Rabbi Adam Raskin, president of the Rabbinic Association of Greater Dallas, about 5,000 attendees came out to brave the heat and support Israel.

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas organized this inaugural celebration, which showcased Jewish culture, Israeli history and interfaith initiatives. Speakers included, among others, Pastor Terri Pearsons of Christians United for Israel and Eagle Mountain International Church.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, multiculturalism, diversity and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Dallas News blogger questions planned mosque near Ground Zero

From his religion blog at the Dallas News website, blogger Wayne Slater asks the question: "Is a mosque at Ground Zero religious freedom too far?"

Slater discusses plans for a $100 million mosque to be constructed nearby the scene of the attack, in Lower Manhattan.

Within his post, Slater describes the contour of decisions by U.S. courts to support his editorial, as well as comments from area lawmakers. He also poses questions about religious freedom to religious personalities within his newspaper's home state.

New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to interfaith dialogue. During the 9/11 attacks, NYTS had many students and faculty volunteering in support of rescue efforts at the site of the Twin Towers.