By Scott Taylor,Staff Writer

LEWISTON – A rally this morning designed to show support for Somalis is getting much bigger, organizers said Tuesday.

“What we’re hearing is a buzz from people that want to come out,” said Rabbi Hillel Katzir of Temple Shalom. “I guess what we had planned has taken on life of its own.”

Members of the Many and One Coalition and the Lewiston-Auburn Interfaith Clergy Association scheduled the event for 11:15 a.m. today in the wake of last week’s desecration of a Lisbon Street mosque.

The interest prompted organizers to move the event, he said. It was originally scheduled for Courthouse Plaza.

“But Kennedy Park is a bigger area, and the city recommended we move it there,” Katzir said.

Police say Brent Matthews, 33, of Lewiston bowled a frozen pig’s head through the open door of the Lewiston-Auburn Islamic Center during evening prayers. He’s been charged with a misdemeanor, desecration of a place of worship, which carries a fine of up to $2,000 and up to one year in jail.

Matthews also could face state and federal civil rights charges. That’s being considered by the state and U.S. attorneys general.

Katzir said the Many and One Coalition and local churches wanted to make it clear that such behavior is not welcome in Lewiston.

“Yes, we wanted to show support for the Somalis, but an incident like this is not just a Muslim issue,” Katzir said. “It’s an issue for every house of worship in the entire community.”

Katzir said he has heard rumors that the rally would be well-attended.

“We are hearing that a lot of people will be there,” Katzir said. “But, I’m not really sure just how many people a lot’ really is.”

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