The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed support for calls by Dutch Muslim organizations seeking increased protection for mosques following a series of vandalism attacks, hate letters, and other anti-Muslim incidents targeting Islamic houses of worship in the Netherlands.
Recent incidents have included Nazi swastika graffiti, racist slogans, vandalism, threatening letters, and attacks on mosque property.
In a statement, Washington, D.C.-based CAIR said:
“We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in the Netherlands as it faces an alarming rise in anti-Muslim incidents targeting mosques and worshippers. No community should have to fear violence, intimidation, vandalism, or hate simply because of its faith. Dutch authorities must take these threats seriously, provide appropriate protection for vulnerable houses of worship, thoroughly investigate all incidents, and hold those responsible accountable.”
“The rise in anti-Muslim hate across parts of Europe – and in our own nation – is deeply troubling. Political leaders and public officials must reject Islamophobia and all forms of religious bigotry before hateful rhetoric further normalizes discrimination and inspires new acts of harassment or violence.”
Last week, CAIR expressed solidarity with the British Muslim community after an imam’s (Islamic religious leader) house was firebombed in Bolton.
CAIR also condemned racist riots in Northern Ireland.
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CONTACT: 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 Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com