The mosque attended by the men arrested for planning a terror plot at Fort Dix opened its doors to the public Friday to convey a message of peace.

Members of the Islamic Center of South Jersey held a forum to meet with community members and show neighbors that they and their religious institution have nothing to do with terrorism.

The center has been under police watch since the arrest earlier this month of six Muslim men accused of plotting to kill soldiers at Fort Dix army base.

Politicians, police, the FBI and Muslim-American groups say there has been a backlash against Muslims in the area since the arrests. At least two New Jersey Muslims have been violently attacked.

According to the Council On American-Islamic Relations, New Jersey is among the top ten states with the highest rate of Muslim-related hate crimes. They hope open forums like the one at the Islamic Center of South Jersey can help stem the rising tide of violence.

Related Information:Fort Dix plot arrests shock communityAuthorities bust alleged plot to kill Fort Dix soldiers