(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 4/29/23) – Later today (Saturday, April 29), the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will join leaders and members of the Muslim community for a solidarity event for Minneapolis mosques targeted by arson.
WHAT: Community Solidarity Event
WHEN: Saturday, April 29, 6 p.m. (CT)
WHERE: Mercy Mosque: Masjid Al Rahma, 2647 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
CONTACT: CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com
“This event will provide an opportunity for the larger community to come together and show their support for those affected by these heinous acts,” said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. “It is a chance for us to stand together in unity and solidarity as a community.”
He said the event will include a tour of the damaged area, speeches, and prayers from community leaders. There will also be opportunities to donate to the affected mosques and support their recovery efforts.
Last week, CAIR-MN held a news conference with Minnesota Muslim leaders to respond to arson attacks targeting two mosques in Minneapolis.
Video: CAIR-MN Calls for Bias Crime Probe in Back-to-Back Mosque Arsons
Masjid Al Rahma (Mercy Mosque) was damaged by fire, with the flames found on the third floor. Firefighters evacuated several people, including children, and no one was injured. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
In a separate incident, a man reportedly attempted to set another Mall 24 Mosque in Minneapolis on fire using gasoline. Police are searching for the suspect, and it is unknown whether the two incidents are related.
Earlier this month, CAIR-MN called to for an investigation vandalism targeting Ummatul Islam Mosque in Minneapolis., Minn., as a possible hate crime.
SEE: Minnesota Mosques Vandalized, Robbed Amid Increase in Reported Hate Crimes
CAIR-MN is urging the local Muslim community and Islamic institutions nationwide to take extra security precautions by using advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.”
Last year, CAIR released a report, titled “Still Suspect: The Impact of Structural Islamophobia,” documenting more than 6,720 complaints to CAIR offices nationwide involving a range of issues including immigration and travel, workplace discrimination, denial of public accommodations, law enforcement and government overreach, hate and bias incidents, incarceree rights, school incidents, anti-BDS/free speech, among other reported issues.
CAIR-MN’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-MN 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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