The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ) today welcomed felony charges for alleged threats targeting Sha’arei Shalom Congregation in Phoenix.
Kevin Charles Pyles, 32, was charged with making a terrorist threat and computer tampering to threaten, both felonies.
In a statement, CAIR-AZ Executive Director Azza Abuseif said:
“We unequivocally condemn these reported antisemitic threats targeting our Jewish neighbors in Phoenix. No community should have to fear threats or violence because of their faith. We stand in full solidarity with Arizona’s Jewish community and reaffirm our shared commitment to opposing all forms of bigotry and hatred.”
Abuseif added that in April, CAIR-AZ condemned vandalism targeting a Tucson synagogue.
She noted that earlier this year, CAIR-AZ welcomed the sentencing of a man to 36 years in prison for the bias-motivated arson of two churches in Douglas, Arizona.
Abuseif 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.
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CONTACT: CAIR Arizona Executive Director Azza Abuseif, 602-349-1573, aabuseif@cair.com