"This is about Sharia law that they want to take over America…wake up!"
There were about two dozen people who came in response to an Internet call to protest a planned mosque in Temecula. Some, like Mano Bach, came because of personal experience with Muslim extremism. He was born in Iran, and says he fled to America after the 1979 revolution.
"Islam destroyed Iran and I don't want Islam destroy America," said Bach.
Others came because they believe a mosque is a step toward political domination by Muslims. This woman only gave her first name, Lois.
"They're infiltrating this country. And their goal is to have Sharia law all over the world," she said.
On the other side of the street, standing in support of the mosque, Temecula resident Jennifer Ice says the protest is appalling and doesn't represent her city.
"We can't even imagine the ignorance and fear going into our neighbors who are protesting," said Ice.
Ice was one of about 50 people who came to shield the Islamic Center from the protest during its prayer service. Many were Christian. Some, like Jeff Schwimmer, were Jewish.
"If we cannot support freedom of religion and free choice, we have nothing to stand for," said Schwimmer.
Plans for the new mosque haven't been approved yet.
