CAIR-PA Condemns Attack on Jewish Students Near Pitt University, Hate Crime Stabbing of Philly Park Ranger
(PITTSBURGH, PA, 9/3/24) – The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh), a chapter of the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the attack on two Jewish students at the University of Pittsburgh, which is being investigated as a potential hate crime. CAIR-Philadelphia condemned the reportedly hate-motivated stabbing of a park ranger in Philadelphia.
Two Jewish students were attacked outside the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning on Friday evening. The suspect, identified as 52-year-old Jarrett Buba, allegedly struck the students with a glass bottle while they were wearing yarmulkas.
In a statement, CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed said:
“We are deeply disturbed by the attack on two Jewish students at the University of Pittsburgh. Such acts of hatred and violence have no place in our society. The targeting of individuals based on their faith is an affront to the values of equality and respect that we hold dear.
No one should live in fear because of their religious identity. We call on the University of Pittsburgh and local authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of all students on campus, and we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and peaceful community.”
A stabbing in Rittenhouse Square that left a city park ranger injured is now being investigated as a crime of hate, Philadelphia police said. The accused attacker, a 34-year-old man from University City, allegedly said while stabbing the park ranger, “Go back to your country, you immigrant.” The 34-year-old has been charged with aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation, sources said.
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu said:
“We condemn this horrific attack on a city employee and are praying for his speedy recovery. We urge law enforcement authorities to be swift and thorough in their investigation of this crime and the apprehension of the perpetrator.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, 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: CAIR Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed, 412-606-3601 cmohamed@cair.com; Ahmet Tekelioglu, CAIR- Philadelphia Executive Director, 617-401-5397; atekelioglu@cair.com
Due to the recent developments in the Middle East and those speaking out at rallies, social media, and other venues, we are reminding our community of their civil rights when dealing with law enforcement.
