The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly’s support for Harford Islamic Center/Masjid Ibrahim following calls for officials to support the community that has been facing Islamophobia and opposition by some individuals in the area.
In a statement to local media, County Executive Cassilly said in part: “Harford County welcomes people of all faith. Harford Islamic Center has met all county requirements for opening and is welcome to operate.”
SEE: Members of new Harford County mosque say they’ve experienced hostile behavior from neighbors
SEE ALSO: CAIR Urges Officials to Stand with New Maryland Mosque Facing Islamophobic Opposition
The mosque, which opened its doors in March of this year after extensive measures to satisfy all the legal, building and zoning requirements, has been once again facing bad faith attempts to close down operations. Some community members attending the mosque have reportedly experienced or observed suspicious or hostile behavior, including invasive questioning and photographs that were taken without permission.
“We at HIC and Masjid Ibrahim appreciate the County Executive’s support for our community,” said the mosque’s Board President Dr. Faisel Sayeed. “It’s reassuring to know that he and Councilman Jacob Bennett recognize and value the diversity in this county.”
“As hundreds of Muslims prepare for Eid prayers and festivities here on Sunday, we thank County Executive Cassilly for standing by the mosque and affirming that it has satisfied the necessary requirements to serve families in the area,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “Everyone should have the right to practice their faith freely and safely.”
A letter campaign launched by the IMAN Network, which includes CAIR, has delivered over 2,000 letters to officials since it launched on Tuesday urging support for the HIC community.
SEE: Act Now to Stand in Solidarity with the Harford Islamic Center Community
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062; CAIR Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kim Syuardi, [email protected], 202-850-9293; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]