More than 100 people gathered in Getzville over the weekend for a retreat sponsored by the Islamic Society of Western New York that addressed terrorism.
The society's vice president Rasul Mohammed said local Muslims must send a message that they condemn the attacks perpetrated by the extremist fringe of their religion. Mohammed said they must also work with their young people.
"The kids can hit a simple 'like' on Facebook to a crazy thing someone posted," Mohammed said. "It could take them along a different route or get them into trouble. Education needs to be done."
Mohammed said Muslims need to help those around them -- from co-workers to neighbors -- better understand what Islam is all about.
He also encouraged non-Muslims to visit a local mosque to help change some of the misconceptions they may have about the religion.