CAIR-NY Calls for Hate Crime Charges for Assault on Women Wearing Palestinian Keffiyeh
(NEW YORK, NY - 10/18/2024)— The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today condemned the alleged physical assault of a woman wearing a keffiyeh (Palestinian head scarf) in Brooklyn and called for hate crime charges in the case.
On Sunday, October 13, at approximately 8:50 p.m., a 38-year-old woman was reportedly assaulted in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The victim, who was wearing a keffiyeh, was allegedly attacked by two women. The perpetrators allegedly punched the victim in the face and pushed her to the ground.
In the struggle, all three women sustained minor injuries. NYPD officers quickly apprehended the suspects, and they have been charged with a misdemeanor assault. Law enforcement authorities are currently reviewing the case to determine whether hate crime charges will be pursued.
SEE: Woman with Keffiyeh Beaten on Brooklyn Street by Strangers Calling Her Nazi
In a statement, CAIR-NY Staff Attorney Christina John said:
“Our streets must be a safe space for everyone, and we are committed to ensure justice is served. We are grateful to law enforcement for their quick arrest of the alleged perpetrators and call on them to include hate crime charges. The keffiyeh is interlinked with Palestinian identity and, based on the reports, that identity was the motivating factor behind the assault. Assaults such as these can never be tolerated."
Earlier this week, CAIR-NY condemned the stabbing of a Halal cart vendor.
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns Stabbing of Halaal Cart Vendor
From January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69 percent increase over the same period in 2023.
SEE: New CAIR Data Shows Anti-Muslim, Anti-Palestinian Hate Remain Elevated in First Half of 2024
Earlier this year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints. Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
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., Executive Director, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006
Saira Amar, MPA, samar@cair.com