(WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/17/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the arrest of a man suspected of stealing a Jewish symbol from a front porch in Bloomington, Ind., before destroying it. CAIR also urged law enforcement authorities to pursue hate crime charges against the suspect.
According to police, the man stole a mezuzah, a decorative case that contains a Hebrew verse from the Torah, from the front porch of a home in Bloomington and burned it. The man is scheduled for an initial court hearing in November. Currently, he is charged with criminal mischief.
SEE: Police Arrest Man For Anti-Semitic Act In Bloomington
https://wibc.com/140823/police-arrest-man-for-anti-semitic-act-in-bloomington/
“We condemn this despicable crime and welcome news of the arrest of a suspect,” said CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor. “We urge law enforcement authorities to add a hate crime to the charges.”
He noted that Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed a hate crime bill into law in 2019.
SEE: Indiana governor signs hate crimes measure into law
https://apnews.com/article/939de847d4cf4d4086048b0c74170496
He said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
SEE: CAIR-MA Welcomes Decision to Place Officer Associated with 2017 Racist Rally in Charlottesville, Va., on Leave
CAIR Calls for Policy Update Following Racist Chant Targeting Indiana High School Volleyball Players
Video: CAIR Research Director Corey Saylor Condemns Wisc. Synagogue Vandalism
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 National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com