It felt like a healing circle… We are grateful to local interfaith and political leaders for their strong show of support for Khair Community Center after a vile individual wrote the word “terrorists” on the mosque’s door.
Cross faith solidarity against hate is always refreshing and revitalizing. We are grateful to all speakers, community members, and Upper Providence Police for their strong support. Despite dehumanization of Muslims, our community is resilient and powerful; we will keep calling for a ceasefire in Gaza so the peace we enjoy can be shared by all of our communities near and far.
Press Conference Livestream:
Links of press coverage:
- Khair Community Center in Upper Providence vandalized with hateful message – (6abc Philadelphia)
- Khair Community Center members gather at mosque in Upper Providence Twp. after hateful message – (CBS Philadelphia)
- Montgomery County police investigate vandalism at Phoenixville mosque (fox29.com)
Speakers at the press conference included:
- Dr. Ahmet Tekelioglu | CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director
- Ahmad Bakran | Khair Community Center Board Member
- Rev. Matthew Arlyck | POWER Interfaith
- Frances Miriam Kreimer | Member of Jewish Voice for Peace and Kol Tzedek Synagogue
- Scott Allen | Executive Director, Congregation Or Ami in Lafayette Hill
- Rachel Martin | If Not Now Philadelphia
- Rev. Matthew Arlyck | POWER Interfaith
- Pastor Doug Hagler | First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville and the President of the Phoenixville Area Clergy Association
- Reverend Raymond Jachowski | St. John’s UCC and Parkside UCC
- State Senator Katie Muth
- State Representative Joe Webster
- State Representative Tarik Khan
- State Rep. Napoleon Nelson
- Rev. Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins | Mayor of Collegeville Borough
- Ethan Seletsky | Regional Representative, office of Senator Bob Casey
- Koh Chiba | Senior Advisor, office of Congresswoman Madeleine Dean
- Abi Deardoarff | School Board Director Spring-Ford- Area School District
- Razin Karu | Executive Director of Governor Shapiro’s Commission on AAPI Affairs
