(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 11/1/17) – The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the deadly vehicular attack which occurred yesterday afternoon on the West Side Highway bike path in Manhattan. The attack, which is being investigated by police as a potential terrorist incident, killed at least eight people, leaving an unknown number wounded.
“CAIR-Philadelphia unequivocally condemns yesterday’s horrific attack in Manhattan and extends our condolences to the families of those killed and injured,” said Executive Director Jacob Bender. “Since the goal of such hateful crimes is to instill fear and divisiveness among our nation, we stand united with Americans of all faiths and backgrounds who believe in justice and equality against the malignancy of hate and the scourge of terrorism.”
Said Dr. Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, CAIR-Philadelphia Director of Education: “Islam forbids this despicable action in the clearest terms. Muslim Americans in Philadelphia stand with the victims’ families and the city of New York in this difficult time.”
For further comments, please contact the CAIR-Philadelphia office at 267-515-6710.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Jacob Bender, 267-515-6710, jbender@cair.com
