(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/5/2023) – The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a hate crime charge for neo-Nazi vandalism targeting an Illinois church.
A man was charged with painting multiple Nazi swastikas on Pathway Community Church in Elmhurst Ill. The suspect has been charged with one count of Hate Crime (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Institutional Vandalism – Church (Class3 Felony) for the Dec. 30 vandalism. A court appearance is scheduled for January 30, 2023
Police: Man Spray-Painted Swastikas on Chicago-Area Church
https://apnews.com/article/chicago-hate-crimes-crime-34c6a95b30c59f657d1b0dd85f186a00
“Houses of worship of all faiths must be safe spaces that are free of bigoted intimidation and harassment,” said CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab. “Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other religious institutions should increase security measures as bigotry rises nationwide.”
Rehab recommended religious communities use the advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety,” which can be of help to all houses of worship.
He said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
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-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab arehab@cair.com 202-870-0166; 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 Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com