The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, yesterday hosted an emergency national webinar on mosque security and community safety following this week’s terror attack targeting the Islamic Center of San Diego.
The webinar, titled “Protecting Your Mosques: What Every Mosque Needs to Know and Do,” took place Wednesday, May 20, and featured experts in mosque safety, community security, crisis preparedness, and threat prevention. Speakers included mosque security expert Nezar Hamze, Imam Sulaimaan Hamed of Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam, CAIR Research & Advocacy Director Corey Saylor, and leaders of the California Muslim community.
VIDEO OF FIRST 30 MINUTES: Introductory Section of Protecting Your Mosques Self-Defense Seminar
[NOTE: CAIR is only publicly releasing the introductory section of the webinar to the general public. Houses of worship and other nonprofits organizations can request access to the full video by CLICKING HERE.]
“In light of the horrific and hateful terrorist attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, Muslim communities across the country are understandably concerned about the safety of mosques, private schools, and community spaces,” said CAIR in a statement. “Every mosque and community organization should ensure it has done everything possible to protect worshippers while remaining a welcoming space for both the Muslim community and our neighbors.”
The webinar provided practical guidance for mosque leaders, school administrators, security volunteers, and community organizers on steps they can immediately implement to help protect their congregations and respond effectively to threats.
Topics discussed during the webinar included:
- Mosque security best practices
- Threat assessment and prevention
- Safety planning for prayers and community events
- Building relationships with local officials and emergency responders
- Responding to hate incidents and community threats
CAIR concluded its announcement by praying for the safety and unity of communities targeted by hate and violence.
“We pray that Allah protects our communities, strengthens our unity, and grants safety to all those targeted by hate and violence,” the organization stated.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR is also calling on Muslim community leaders to utilize its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” bookletto help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to all houses of worship.
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 Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com