(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 2/26/2023) – The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR- Philadelphia) today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for vandalism targeting a West Oak Lane Mosque.
Security cameras caught a male suspect spray-painting symbols and phrases – including “Jesus Christ” – on the walls and doors of Masjidullah – The Center for Human Excellence on Feb. 24. Following the incident, Perfecting Church and Congregation Rodeph Shalom joined Masjidullah in a statement, sharing their support to the local Muslim community.
SEE: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpG_JmBNBrc/
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia President Mohammed Zubairu, who is also a member of Masjidullah, said:
“We condemn this act of vandalism and urge local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to apprehend the perpetrator and to determine whether there was a bias motive for the incident. All Americans should feel safe from harassment or intimidation at their houses of worship.”
Zubairu also urged the local Muslim community and Islamic institutions nationwide to take extra security precautions by using advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.”
CAIR-Philadelphia recently published its guidance for Pennsylvania mosques seeking to apply for Pennsylvania’s Non-Profit Security Grant Program at the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
SEE: https://pa.cair.com/security-grant
Mosques interested in applying for the Non-profit Security Grant program should contact CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu at atekelioglu@cair.com
Last year, CAIR released a report, titled “Still Suspect: The Impact of Structural Islamophobia,” documenting more than 6,720 complaints to CAIR offices nationwide involving a range of issues including immigration and travel, workplace discrimination, denial of public accommodations, law enforcement and government overreach, hate and bias incidents, incarceree rights, school incidents, anti-BDS/free speech, among other reported issues.
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.
– END –
CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, PhD; 617-401-5397 (mobile), atekelioglu@cair.com.
