The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the alleged hateful vandalism targeting the San Francisco Seventh-day Adventist Church-Central in Pacific Heights.
On Saturday morning, San Francisco police arrested a suspect after officers discovered swastikas, along with antisemitic and anti-gay slurs, painted on the church and nearby city utilities. The suspect now faces several charges, including felony vandalism with a hate crime enhancement.
SEE: Man arrested after swastikas, hate words painted on S.F. church
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
“We stand in full solidarity with the community members targeted by this disturbing act of hate. No one should have to fear hatred or intimidation at their house of worship. We are grateful for law enforcement’s swift response and urge public officials to continue prioritizing the protection of all marginalized groups against the rising tide of extremism.”
CAIR-SFBA frequently speaks out against all forms of bigotry, recognizing that the safety and well-being of all our communities are inextricably linked.
CAIR-SFBA calls on community leaders and residents to remain united against all forms of hate and encourages anyone experiencing a hate incident or a hate crime to contact its Civil Rights Department at (408) 986-9874 or visit bit.ly/cairsfba-report-hate.
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, (408) 498-5779, ladam@cair.com