CAIR-NY Calls for Stepped-Up Security After Vandalism Targeting Staten Island Mosque
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(NEW YORK, NY, 9/15/2023) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for stepped up security measures for local mosques after a reported incident of vandalism targeting an Islamic house of worship.
Police say an individual urinated in front of Masjid Al-Wadood mosque on Sept. 11 and damaged a pair of wooden racks used to hold the shoes of worshipers.
SEE: Urination at mosque; antisemitic mailing: Staten Island incidents spark concern
CAIR-NY also condemned an antisemitic flyer left in the mailbox of a Jewish family in Grasmere.
Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY executive director said:
“We urge community leaders and law enforcement authorities to step up security at mosques – and at all houses of worship – as we unfortunately witness an increase in bias-motivated rhetoric and actions nationwide. Community members must also remain vigilant while carrying out their religious observances.”
Earlier this month, CAIR-NY condemned the reported desecration of a Quran, Islam’s revealed text, outside the Turkish House, which houses Türkiye’s consulate general and UN mission.
Earlier this week, CAIR-NY called on the NYPD to conduct a “thorough and swift” investigation into the reported attack on Imam Idriz Budimlić of the Islamic Center of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Astoria, N.Y.
Last month, CAIR similarly recommended vigilance and stepped-up security measures for Baltimore-area mosques after a second mosque based in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area received a threatening call in recent weeks.
CAIR urges religious institutions to apply for Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which “provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations.”
The civil rights group is also urging religious institutions nationwide to take extra security precautions by using advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.” The advice in the booklet is applicable to institutions of all faiths.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY 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: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; Rabea Ali, rali@cair.com