(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 2/28/2022) – The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned neo-Nazi graffiti targeting three cemeteries in that state’s Montgomery County.
On Thursday, Nazi swastikas were found spray-painted on headstones in Saint Benedict Cemetery, Saint Matthews Cemetery, and Old Saint Matthews Cemetery. Police in Plymouth Township say they believe they may have found a suspect after reviewing surveillance video.
Anyone with information about the vandalism that took place at these cemeteries is asked to contact the Plymouth Township Police Department at (610) 279-1901.
SEE: Three Montgomery County cemeteries vandalized with swastikas, police say
“We condemn this despicable act and extend our condolences to the families whose loved ones’ graves were desecrated,” said CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Jacob Bender. “All communities must come together to challenge the rising tide of hate and bigotry.”
He said the American Muslim community and CAIR stand in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, white supremacy and all other forms of bigotry.
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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 Jacob Bender, jbender@cair.com; CAIR-Philadelphia Civil Rights Attorney Timothy N. Welbeck, Esq., 267-398-5640 (mobile), twelbeck@cair.com; CAIR-Philadelphia Education and Outreach Director Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, PhD; 617-401-5397 (mobile), atekelioglu@cair.com
