CAIR-NY Reps, NYC Muslim Leaders Testify at Hearing on Resolution Denouncing Islamophobia
(NEW YORK, NY 10/11/16) – Representatives of the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today joined Muslim leaders in testifying at a New York City Council hearing on Resolution 1230-2016, which would declare support for New York City’s Muslim Communities and denounce growing islamophobia.
The CAIR-NY representatives testified in favor of the resolution, which was adopted unanimously by the City Council’s Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations.
“It is imperative that we voice our resolve against the misguided and often illegal actions targeting Muslims,” said CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher. “We will not stay silent when our children, an entire generation of youth, are called terrorists in their class by peers and treated as such by those who are supposed to protect them.”
“The need for action could not be more clear. National statistics reveal a spike in anti-Muslim discrimination, harassment and violence that touches almost every member of the community,” said CAIR-Director of Strategic Litigation Albert Cahn. “Resolution 1230 stands in the proud tradition of this council, which has long spoken out at moments when individuals are targeted on the basis of their faith.”
Today’s hearing was held in the aftermath of a series of crimes that have targeted New York City’s Muslim Community.
CAIR-NY recently welcome increased hate crime charges against a Brooklyn woman for allegedly attacking two Brooklyn Muslim mothers pushing babies in strollers. According to police, the assailant allegedly shouted “Get the f--- out of America, b-----s," as she punched one of the Muslim women in the face and kicked them both in their legs.
SEE: CAIR-NY Welcomes Increased Hate Crime Charges for Attack on Brooklyn Muslim Women, Children
Last month, a Bronx man was also attacked in an apparent hate crime. The victim was allegedly struck in the face as an attacker shouted anti-Muslim slurs at the victim and his mother. Police continue TO seek information about the attack, and CAIR-NY urges anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
SEE: Police Searching for Trio Connected To Assault, Anti-Muslim Slur Incident
Additionally, last month, CAIR-NY welcomed the announcement of charges of murder in the first degree brought against the alleged killer of a Queens imam (religious leader) and his associate. CAIR-NY similarly urged the NYPD and the district attorney to continue the investigation of a possible hate motive in that case.
SEE: CAIR-NY Welcomes Charges Against Alleged Killer of Queens Imam and Associate, Urges Hate Crime Probe
The Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-NY's Civil Rights Department at (646) 665-7599 or by filing a report at: https://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report/
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; Director of Strategic Litigation Albert Cahn, 571-766-6273, acahn@cair.com, CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com.