RNA - Thousands of Muslims in Germany have taken part in a "Day of Peace" to protest against the Islamic State extremist group.
According to the local news outlets, the event was organized by mainstream Muslim organizations to emphasize that the vast majority of believers reject the group's ideology and its brutal actions in Syria and Iraq.
ABC News reported today that the head of Germany's Central Council of Muslims, Aiman Mazyek, said the protest Friday was also directed against racism and intolerance in general, citing recent attacks on mosques and synagogues in Europe.
Vigils and peace rallies were held after traditional Friday noon prayers in a number of German cities including Berlin, Hamburg, Mölln, Bielefeld, Oldenburg, Frankfurt am Main and Stuttgart.
The rally comes after Germany banned all support towards IS rebels in Syria and Iraq and decided to send weapons to Kurdish fighters who are battling against IS forces.
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