CAIR: Ohio Muslim's Business Targeted with Hate Graffiti

Muslim civil rights group asks FBI to probe incident as hate crime

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OH) today called on the FBI to initiate a hate crime investigation of a recent incident of vandalism at a Muslim-owned business in that state.

Late on Saturday, vandals spray-painted "9-11" on windows and countertops at the Jaffa Market in Columbus. Some cash and a laptop computer were stolen, while several display cases were vandalized.

SEE: Muslim Storeowner Says He was Victim of Hate Crime

http://tinyurl.com/2vutp7z

"Unfortunately, Saturday night's incident is emblematic of the increasing Islamophobia in our society," said CAIR-OH Legal Director Jennifer Nimer. "The manufactured controversy surrounding the proposed Islamic cultural center near ground zero in New York has resulted in an increase in hate crimes targeting Muslim institutions nationwide."

Mosques in California, Tennessee, New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Michigan, Texas, and Florida have faced vocal opposition or have been targeted by hate incidents in recent months.

Over the weekend, burned copies of the Quran were found outside mosques in Michigan, Tennessee and Illinois.

CAIR has launched a nationwide "Learn, Don't Burn" educational initiative in response to an extremist Gainesville, Fla., church's now-canceled plan to burn copies of the Quran, Islam's holy text, on September 11.

SEE: CAIR Responds to Fla. Book Burning with Educational Campaign

http://tinyurl.com/2cq2hb8

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights and advocacy organizations also recently launched a national public service announcement (PSA) campaign designed to challenge growing Islamophobia in America.

SEE: American Muslims Speak Out: 9/11 Happened to Us All

http://tinyurl.com/2bhkag2

Anyone with information about the break-in is asked to contact Columbus police.

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.

CONTACT: CAIR-OH Legal Director Jennifer Nimer, 614-451-3232, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations