Salam and Peace be with you,
Yesterday, an unspeakable tragedy happened to the San Diego Muslim community.
Three members of the Islamic Center of San Diego were killed in a horrific shooting in what authorities are investigating as a hate-motivated attack. Families have been shattered. Children witnessed trauma no community should ever endure. A sacred space that meant prayer, learning, and safety became the scene of violence and fear.
This tragedy did not happen in a vacuum.
For years, American Muslims have endured escalating anti-Muslim rhetoric, dehumanization, harassment, and threats. When hateful language is normalized in political discourse, online spaces, and media narratives, it creates real-world consequences for communities everywhere, for all our children, and all our houses of worship.
Today, our entire community is grieving. But we are also determined. This moment also makes it painfully clear: our community needs long-term investment in protection, advocacy, organizing, and rapid-response infrastructure.
At CAIR-Philadelphia, we have:
- Supported 12 Pennsylvania masjids in their application for the State of Pennsylvania’s nonprofit security grants
- Collectively secured over $500k in grant funding to enhance masjid security
- Advised local masjids on security and law enforcement protocols during Ramadan
- Spoke to 4 TV channels and one radio station to convey our community’s concerns (See coverage on NBC10, 6ABC)
- Communicated with law enforcement agencies to bolster local connections and precautionary patrols
We cannot wait until the next tragedy to act.
Your support today helps CAIR-Philadelphia strengthen the work ahead:
- Defending civil rights
- Combating Islamophobia and hate-based violence
- Building relationships with policymakers and civic leaders
- Protecting our masjid and community institutions
- Ensuring Muslim voices are heard, protected, and represented
In moments like this, silence is not enough. Mourning is not enough. We must organize, advocate, and build the strength our community needs to stay safe and resilient.
Please stand with us during this painful and pivotal moment.
May Allah grant mercy to those we lost, healing to the injured and traumatized, and strength to our entire community.
In Solidarity,
Ahmet Tekelioglu
Executive Director, CAIR-Philadelphia
