(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/13/23) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate vandalism targeting an Oregon mosque as a possible hate crime.
Someone spray-painted the walls and sidewalk of the Salman Alfarisi Islamic Center in Corvallis, Ore, with the phrase “Jesus Loves U.”
SEE: Mosque vandalized in Corvallis, neighbors react
“This hypocritical call to ‘love’ is really an expression of hatred when it targets a house of worship with vandalism and should be investigated as a possible hate crime,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “If the perpetrators really sought to engage Muslims, they could have walked through the door of the mosque to respectfully discuss their religious beliefs and those of the Muslim community.”
Yesterday, CAIR’s Minnesota chapter similarly called on law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for vandalism targeting a St. Paul mosque.
CAIR 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’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 Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com