The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed solidarity with the Belgium Muslim community after neo-Nazi vandals reportedly targeted the Tawfieq Mosque in Schelle, Belgium.
Officials of the mosque in Antwerp province discovered Nazi swastikas and hateful messages painted on the building’s doors and windows, alongside dog feces left at the entrance.
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in Belgium following this vile, neo-Nazi attack. Desecrating a house of worship with symbols of hate is a cowardly attempt to intimidate a peaceful religious community. We call on law enforcement authorities to thoroughly investigate this hate crime, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure enhanced security measures are put in place to protect houses of worship from further attacks.”
CAIR has previously condemned a number of similar Islamophobic incidents in Europe. Last year, CAIR said that Islamophobia was “spinning out of control” in Europe after a Muslim woman was murdered in Germany and a mosque was burned during anti-immigrant riots in Spain.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Neo-Nazi, Racist Vandalism Targeting Mosques in Sweden and UK
CAIR Condemns Attempted Arson of Muslim Prayer Room in France
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, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]