The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin) today invited community members to an interfaith event to confront hate and bigotry on Saturday, February 10. The event follows the stabbing of a 23-year-old Palestinian-American last weekend.
The interfaith event, titled United Against Hate, will take place on Saturday Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (Address: 14311 Wells Port Dr, Austin, TX 78728). The gathering’s purpose is to bring people from all backgrounds together to confront hate and pray for the victim’s healing and justice. The program includes diverse speakers, a Palestinian cultural booth, and socializing time over dessert and tea. The program will end at 8:30 p.m.
WHAT: United Against Hate Interfaith Event
WHEN: Saturday, February 10 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 14311 Wells Port Dr, Austin, TX 78728
CONTACT: CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan, 512-785-7105; Shaimaa.zayan@cairtx.org; Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Staff Carol Johnson, 512-694-9705; ckjaustin@gmail.com
This call for gathering came in response to the hate-motivated attack that took place on Feb. 4 around 7 p.m. where four young Muslim Americans, who had just attended a protest in support of Palestinian human rights, were attacked by a white male, later identified as Bert James Baker. The attack ended up with Baker allegedly pulling his knife and stabbing one of the young men in the chest, breaking one of his ribs. Baker was arrested after police arrived on the scene while the victim had undergone a successful surgery and is recovering.
“It is important for the community to come together and connect on a human level after such a tragedy. We know this is not an isolated incident, but we hope it is the last one” said Shaimaa Zayan, the Operations Manager of CAIR-Austin. “This is an inclusive event, and we are inviting everyone including the officials and elected representatives.”
“Following the horrific hate crime against a young Palestinian American in our neighborhood, our community is gripped by fear and concern for our safety and the safety of our children,” said Hatem Natsheh from the Austin for Palestine Coalition. “We wanted to bring our communities together to combat the dehumanization of Palestinians,” he added.
“The interfaith community here in Austin has a long tradition of gathering in solidarity when any member of our human family suffers a hate crime. Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is deeply honored to host the event “United Against Hate”, and everyone is invited and welcome,” Pastor Jim Rigby said.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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