CAIR-NY Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Attack on Muslims Outside Mosque

NEW YORK, July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called on law enforcement authorities and public officials to investigate an alleged attack on Muslim worshippers on their way to prayers at a Brooklyn mosque as a possible hate crime.

On Friday evening, witnesses say passengers in a Lexus drove by the Thayba Islamic Center shouting anti-Muslim slurs, including "This is for your Allah," and threw eggs at several members dressed in traditional Muslim attire. A 70-year-old Muslim in traditional Pakistani attire and wearing an Islamic Kufi (scullcap) was reportedly hit in the chest by an egg.

"We urge law enforcement authorities and elected officials to investigate this apparent hate crime and bring the alleged perpetrators to justice," said CAIR-NY Director of Operations Sadyia Khalique. "Public officials need to send the message that our community will not tolerate acts of hate or attacks on houses of worship."

She noted a similar incident Sunday at a Canadian mosque.

Canada: Anti-Muslim Messages Found at Islamic Centre in Thornhill
http://tinyurl.com/q3qloeo

In response to previous attacks on American mosques, CAIR published a booklet called "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety" designed to be used by mosque officials, Muslim school administrators and other community leaders and activists who seek to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities to bias-motivated attacks.

Community leaders may request a free copy of CAIR's "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety," by going to: http://www.cair.com/mosque-safety-guide.html    

SEE: CAIR Distributes New Mosque Safety Guidelines
http://tinyurl.com/p6678ok

Earlier this month during the beginning of Ramadan, CAIR-NY asked law enforcement authorities to probe Anti-Muslim graffiti such as "Islam is evil," "Allah is evil" and "Islam is barbaric" sprayed around the neighborhood.

SEE: Press Release: CAIR-NY Asks Authorities to Probe Rash of Anti-Muslim Graffiti in Brooklyn Neighborhood
http://tinyurl.com/qgqg53e 
Video: CAIR-NY Seeks of Probe of Anti-Muslim Graffiti in Brooklyn  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICtD77iA6_w  

CAIR-NY also called for a hate crime investigation of the stabbing of a Muslim food cart vendor by a man reportedly shouting "Go back to your (expletive) country."

SEE: Man Shouting 'Go Back to Your (Expletive) Country' Stabs Muslim Food Cart Vendor
http://tinyurl.com/le9z75w

CAIR-NY is a chapter of 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 Director of Operations Sadyia Khalique, 212-870-2002, 917-348-5220 (cell), E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations