(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 2/27/17) — The Philadelphia Chapter of CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations), condemns in the strongest terms the desecration of over 100 tombstones in the Jewish Mount Carmel Cemetery in the Wissinoming section of Philadelphia.
Jacob Bender, Executive Director of CAIR-Philadelphia said, “As both an American Jew and the head of one of 30 local chapters of the nation’s leading Muslim civil rights organization, I am deeply affected by the sight of broken Jewish tombstones at the Mount Carmel Cemetery. This act of hate is another clarion call for Jews, Muslims, and all people dedicated to justice, equality, and pluralism, to join together to defeat the extremist elements now on the rise throughout our nation, including some at the highest echelons of our national government.”
Osama Al-Qasem, President of CAIR-Philadelphia said, “The desecration of Jewish tombstones at the Mount Carmel Cemetery is a vile act of anti-Semitism. CAIR-Philadelphia and the entire Muslim community condemns this vandalism, and calls upon all communities of faith to work together to oppose bigotry in all its manifestations.”
Imam Salaam Muhsin of Masjidullah said, “Our prophet, peace be upon him, gave clear understanding, and through demonstration, that all religions are to be protected from injustice, and harm. He also stated that we are to honor this even with our lives.”
CAIR-Philadelphia calls upon law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate this crime of ignorance and intolerance.
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, 267-515-6710, jbender@cair.com.
