Community members, interfaith clergy, and political leaders to gather at South 6th and Lombard Street on Friday 10:30 am
(PHILADELPHIA, PA – 5/15/2024) – On Friday, May 17, a group of community members, interfaith clergy, civic and political leaders plan to hold a press conference to condemn ongoing vandalism and smear tactics targeting Lombard Cafe, a woman- and Arab-owned small business serving the communities of Philadelphia’s Society Hill neighborhood.
The group also plans to call on law enforcement and civic authorities to carefully explore a hate crime angle for the reported harassment and vandalism experienced by Lombard Cafe.
The press conference comes after Lombard Cafe was burglarized on Wednesday, May 15, and “We stand with Israel” stickers were plastered across the store.
WHAT: Press Conference with Philadelphia Community Leaders, Interfaith Clergy, and Political Leaders
WHERE: Lombard Cafe, 542 Lombard Street Philadelphia, PA 19147
WHEN: May 17, 2024, 10:30 am
CONTACT: Ahmet Tekelioglu, 617-401-5397, atekelioglu@cair.com
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu said:
“Jasmine Amira Taibi-Bennoui, Lombard Cafe’s owner, has been extremely patient in the face of ongoing harassment she and her employees faced after their public support for peace and dignity for Palestinians. From in person harassment to doxxing, the store and its BIPOC owners and patrons faced a lot. We are gathering on Friday to publicly stand with Lombard Cafe’s diverse community that has supported them through this difficult time.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. 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-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, PhD; 617-401-5397 (mobile), atekelioglu@cair.com.
