The historic Islamic Center of Downtown San Jose located on 325 N. 3rd St. is being sold to the highest bidder by the Board of South Bay Islamic Association (SBIA) without any transparency or public announcement.

The Islamic Center of Downtown San Jose is one of the longest serving Islamic Centers in California. It started in 1978, by members of the Muslim community and Mr. Mertze Dahlin, a proud American who reverted to Islam, a community leader and a Korean war veteran.

In the late 1970s, Mr. Mertze Dahlin and other Muslims made relentless efforts and fought the city of San Jose to allow this historic landmark for Islamic religious congregation. 

For over four decades, the overall Muslim community has donated their time, money and effort in maintaining this place of worship and their sentiments are attached to it.

We feel it is wrong to sell this house of worship because it is an AMANAH (trust) of the Muslim community, it cannot be sold to the highest bidder!

By signing this petition, we, the Muslim community demand that the board of South Bay Islamic Association (SBIA) do not sell our Islamic Center and keep it within the Muslim community for years to come.