08:34 PM CDT on Monday, July 17, 2006

By Carolyn Campbell / 11 News

What’s happening in the Middle East may be causing problems for members of a mosque in southwest Houston.  Members said they had been attacked in the last few days.

KHOU-TV

Imam Isam Rajab

Shots were fired at people leaving the mosque on Tres Lagunas this past Saturday.  Sunday, rocks and beer bottles were thrown at members leaving the mosque.

The afternoon prayers go on as planned at the mosque in Mission Bend, but the weekend incidents have the leadership concerned.

“It’s childish acts, I believe,” said Imam Isam Rajab.

He believes that area youths at nearby apartments are probably responsible.

“I believe it is most likely signals.  They are youngsters so they are most likely just playing.  We are trying to explain to them that we are coming here to worship,” Rajab said.

Three cousins who live in the nearby apartments said they wouldn’t’ be surprised if it was their neighbors that were involved because they’ve heard them talk about the Islamic neighbors.

“They think bad of them because of 9/11,” said Rain Jackson.

The Imam at the mosque said he would try to reach out to the youth.

“We are having different approaches.  One of them is to talk to the individuals and ask them why they are doing this,” said Rajab.

Since they have Muslim relatives, the cousins think that’s a good idea.

The Imam doesn’t think that it has anything to do with the current Middle East conflict between Israel and Lebanon, but he said he plans to meet with the management at the apartment complex where he thinks some of these young people live.

The apartments are under new management and the manager said she was open to the idea of meeting with the Imam.

He has also contacted the Harris County  sheriff’s deputy department and asked them to step up patrols in the area.