MEDIA ADVISORY
(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 7/7/2026)— On Wednesday, July 8, the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) will join Philadelphia City Commission Chairman Omar Sabir, elected officials, faith leaders, and community organizations at an Interfaith Unity Press Conference to condemn the recent arson attack targeting the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center and stand in solidarity with Philadelphia’s Muslim community.
During the event, Chairman Sabir will announce a personal contribution of $2,500 toward the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the attack. His contribution matches the $2,500 reward previously announced by CAIR-Philadelphia, bringing the total reward to $5,000.
The attempted attack took place in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 5. The attack comes as the mosque continues to serve a growing and diverse Muslim community while raising funds to build a larger facility capable of meeting the needs of its expanding congregation.
Security Camera footage as well as a link to the Mosque’s GoFundMe page can be accessed at: pa.cair.com/pressrelease/nepic-arson-attempt/
WHAT: Interfaith Unity Press Conference Following Arson at Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center
WHEN: Wednesday, July 8, at 1:30 p.m., following Dhuhr prayers.
WHERE: Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center, 1421 Tyson Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19111
LIVESTREAM: https://www.instagram.com/cairphilly/
CONTACT: Ahmet Tekelioglu, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director, atekelioglu@cair.com; 617-401-5397; Chief Deputy Commissioner Khalif Chestnut, khalif.chestnut@phila.gov; 215-686-3462
Representatives from Philadelphia’s political, religious, civic, and business communities will join together to denounce acts of hate and violence targeting houses of worship and reaffirm their commitment to protecting religious freedom and the safety of all communities. The event will feature remarks from elected officials, interfaith clergy, civil rights organizations, and community leaders from across the region.
Organizers are calling on Muslims from throughout Philadelphia to gather for a citywide Dhuhr prayer at the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center and join the press conference. The prayer will serve as a visible demonstration of unity, resilience, and support for the congregation, affirming that acts of hatred will not divide Philadelphia’s diverse communities.
“I am deeply disturbed by the unsettling and saddening act of arson committed against the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center over the holiday weekend. An attack on any place of worship is an attack on the civic fabric of Philadelphia. We cannot allow acts of violence to divide our city or make any Philadelphian feel unsafe,” said Chairman Omar Sabir.
Chairman Sabir, CAIR-Philadelphia, and community leaders are calling on residents of every neighborhood, faith, and background to stand together in peace and solidarity with the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center and to reject all acts of hate, violence, and religious intolerance.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department immediately.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END
CONTACT: Ahmet Tekelioglu, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director, atekelioglu@cair.com; 617-401-5397; Chief Deputy Commissioner Khalif Chestnut, khalif.chestnut@phila.gov; 215-686-3462.
