(PHILADELPHIA, PA., 10/20/2023) – The Philadelphia chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for a hate crime investigation into an alleged vandalism that targeted United Muslim Islamic Center (UMIC), a South Philadelphia Islamic center.
Vandals reportedly spray-painted the entrance doors and windows of the Islamic center with graffiti including messaging that includes “Muslim men are stupid and dumb.” Among the graffiti scribbled on a neighbor’s property was “Sunnah women are stupid.”
The Islamic Center informed the police of the incident and camera records from area buildings are being monitored.
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu said:
“Safety for all houses of worship should be non-negotiable. This is the second alleged bias incident our community has experienced in Philadelphia in the last two days. We call on politicians and the media to take responsibility for their careless discourse harming our Muslim communities and urge law enforcement authorities to swiftly investigates and hold accountable those responsible for adding to the trauma of our Muslim communities.
“UMIC is a model community serving South Philadelphia communities, they should be able to pray and congregate in peace, without having to watch their backs.”
Tekelioglu noted an increasing number of Pennsylvania mosques have shown interest in securing grants from Pennsylvania state and the Federal government that help with mosque security.
Tekelioglu said CAIR-Philadelphia assisted over 15 mosques obtain these grants in the recent years. Pennsylvania state law has the Ethnic Intimidation Act which was passed to prosecute individuals who commit acts such as in this case as well as to act as a deterrent to individuals that desire to weaponize racial and religious animus.
“It is unfortunate that the current climate of the world today has inspired people to act in very emotional and hateful ways. We pray for the safety of all Masajid and fellow communities of faith,” said Qasim Rashad, president of UMIC and its parent organization United Muslim Masjid (UMM). “As Muslims we are tolerant and forgiving but we are not pacifist. We don’t turn a cheek when we are transgressed upon. However, if this individual would like to come forward to talk with us we can arrange a meeting.”
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, Ahmet Tekelioglu, PhD, atekelioglu@cair.com; 617-401-5397
