CAIR-NY Condemns Pro-Trump Hate Crime Targeting Mosque in Suffolk County
(NEW YORK, NY, 5/19/2021) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) condemned a pro-Trump vandalism of a mosque in Suffolk County.
At 2 a.m. on May 18, two individuals reportedly entered the Shah-E-Najaf mosque, a center operated by the Jafria Association of North America, by cutting open a fence guarding the center. The perpetrators allegedly vandalized the mosque with pro-Trump graffiti and burned the Alam, a red and white flag that symbolizes peace and justice in the Shia faith tradition. The Alam has been replaced, but the graffiti remains on the mosque property. Suffolk County Police say they are investigating the incident as a hate crime.
SEE: Flag burned, graffiti found outside Long Island mosque: police
Property Damaged at Long Island Mosque
https://dailyvoice.com/new-york/nassau/police-fire/property-damaged-at-long-island-mosque/809181/
This is the fourth Islamophobic hate incident targeting the mosque since 2007. In 2007, a Nazi swastika and “White Power” were written on the mosque walls during a break in. In 2014, swastikas were written on the driveway of the mosque. In 2016, Islamophobic material was dropped around the mosque.
In a statement, CAIR-NY Legal Director Ahmed Mohamed said:
“A bias-motivated attack on any place of worship is abhorrent and must be condemned by local and state officials. The burning of a religious artifact, the Alam, and the pro-Trump, white supremacist graffiti is disgusting. This hate crime must be swiftly investigated and the suspects brought to justice.
“This is the fourth hate crime targeting Shah-E-Najaf mosque since 2007. Elected officials need to do more for this community than offer words of support. We urge local and state officials to identify resources and programs that can help the mosque and its congregants have a safe and secure place of worship and more police cannot be the answer. This pattern of hate must come to an end.”
He said CAIR is urging mosques and other religious institutions of all faiths to take measures outlined in its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet. Advice offered in CAIR’s security publication is applicable to all institutions, regardless of organizational mission.
CAIR: Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety
https://www.cair.com/mosque-and-community-safety/
This mosque defacement comes after the vandalism of a mosque in Brooklyn last week where “Death 2 Palestine” was found and an attempted stabbing at a mosque in Virginia.
SEE: 'Death to Palestine' spray painted on Brooklyn mosque
Police: Man tried to stab security guard at Fairfax County Islamic center
CAIR-New York is a chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Legal Director, 646-481-2103, ahmedmohamed@cair.com