The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) today condemned repeated vandalism targeting a San Francisco mosque during the month of Ramadan.
A suspect was caught on video vandalizing the mosque. The suspect allegedly entered the mosque and shouted Islamophobic rhetoric and wrote “you will burn in hell” on the facility.
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
“CAIR-SFBA is very concerned about these reported, repeat incidents targeting a San Francisco mosque during the holy month of Ramadan. We thank the local leaders and law enforcement for being responsive to the community. During this period of heightened, unprecedented Islamophobia, we urge mosque leaders to take extra precautions to protect their attendees and elected officials and civic leaders to take heed of how the Israeli violence in Palestine is having an impact here at home.”
She urged houses of worship to utilize CAIR’s Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety guide, which contains security advice applicable to institutions of all faiths.
Billoo noted that CAIR’s new civil rights report released earlier this month revealed the highest number of bias complaints ever received in its 30-year history.
SEE: New CAIR Civil Rights Report Reveals Highest Number of Complaints in Group’s 30-Year History
Earlier today, CAIR’s New Jersey chapter condemned vandalism targeting the Muslim Chaplaincy house at Rutgers University (A.K.A. CILRU, Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University).
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, [email protected], 408.986.9874