CAIR: Man Shouting Anti-Muslim Slurs Desecrates NY Mosque

Muslim civil rights group renews call for official response to growing anti-Muslim bigotry

NEW YORK, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy organization today renewed its call for a strong response by public officials to growing anti-Muslim bigotry nationwide following another hate incident targeting an American mosque.

The New York chapter of the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) reports that a man entered the Iman Mosque in Queens, N.Y., during a prayer service last night and shouted anti-Muslim slurs as he urinated on prayer rugs. The man, who was charged with criminal trespass, allegedly called the worshippers "terrorists."

SEE: 'Drunk' Desecration at Mosque (New York Post)

http://tinyurl.com/27smoul

Last night, CAIR reported that a mosque in California was vandalized recently with a brick and hate signs referring to the controversy over a planned Islamic community center in New York City.

CAIR said vandals targeting a Madera, Calif., Islamic center left signs stating "No Temple for the God of terrorism at Ground Zero. ANB," "Wake up America, the Enemy is here. ANB" and "American Nationalist Brotherhood."

SEE: Calif. Mosque Vandalized with Hate Signs Referring to NY Controversy

http://tinyurl.com/23j8ka8

CAIR: Is It Too Late for the Pro-Mosque Movement?

http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/is-it-too-late-for-the-pro-mosque-movement/19608467

Video: CAIR-OH Rep Decries Anti-Mosque Campaign

http://www.woio.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=5054230

Also yesterday, CAIR called on religious and political leaders to repudiate growing Islamophobia following an attack on a New York taxi driver who was allegedly stabbed by a passenger who had asked him if he was Muslim.

SEE: Cabbie Stabbed After Fare Asked, 'Are You Muslim?'

http://tinyurl.com/2fhxgxk  

CAIR: Rider Asks if Cabby Is Muslim, Then Stabs Him (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/26/nyregion/26cabby.html

Video: CAIR Rep Discusses NY Stabbing with Keith Olbermann

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/38857723#38857723

"Without a significant response by mainstream political leaders, this disturbing trend will only continue to grow," said CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali. "We ask that this incident be treated as a hate crime and that relevant charges be brought against the alleged perpetrator."

She singled out New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his strong support for American Muslim religious and civil rights and urged other elected officials to follow his lead. Ali also noted that a Florida church plans to burn Qurans, Islam's revealed text, on the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

SEE: CAIR: Pastor's Plan to Burn Korans Adds to Dangers

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/26/us/26gainesville.html  

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-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, 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