CAIR Press Releases

CAIR-NY to Join AYAB in Calling for Hate Crime Probe of Racist Attack on Brooklyn Business Owner

(NEW YORK, NY, 4/17/2023) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) will today speak at a press conference with the Alliance of Yemeni American Businesses (AYAB) calling for a hate crime investigation into an alleged attack on Jamal Sawaid.    

WHEN: Monday, April 17, 5 p.m. 

WHERE: 1716 Mermaid Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11224 

CONTACT: Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Legal Director, 646-481-2103, ahmedmohamed@cair.com  

Sawaid was reportedly attacked on Saturday by four perpetrators, resulting in eight staples in his head and a swollen face. The alleged perpetrators did not steal anything and reportedly directed a racial slur toward Sawaid during the attack.   

He is a well-respected figure in the community, known for his dedicated service and contributions to the neighborhood. Last year, Assemblywoman Mathylde Frontus recognized his outstanding contributions with an honorary certificate recognizing his hard work providing essential goods in the pandemic.    

SEE: Brooklyn smoke shop owner beaten on the job vows to reopen his store on Monday   

CAIR-NY’s Legal Director Ahmed Mohamed, Esq. said:  

“We stand in solidarity with Jamal Sawaid and the Brooklyn community against this senseless act of violence. No one should have to face such brutality, and we call for a thorough hate crime investigation to ensure that the alleged perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. It is imperative that we work together to combat hate in all its forms and create a safe and inclusive environment for all communities.”   

CAIR-NY’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.      

La misión de CAIR-NY 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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END           

CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director,
917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Legal Director, 646-481-2103, ahmedmohamed@cair.com     

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