CAIR-NY Calls for Hate Crime Probe After Muslim-Owned Business Vandalized with “Terrorist” Graffiti

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 11/19/2021) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for the Nassau County Police Department to initiate a hate crime investigation after a Muslim-owned business was targeted with anti-Muslim vandalism. The business is located in Floral Park, Nassau County.   

The owners of the business discovered the word “terorist” [sic] written on their glass storefront last night (November 18th, 2021).  

SEE: Facebook post displaying the vandalism 

In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said:   

“Anti-Muslim bigotry is unacceptable and must be called out. Unfortunately, Muslims continue to be regular targets of bias incidents. Vandalizing a Muslim-owned business with ‘terrorist’ is reprehensible and is a bias-motivated crime. The Nassau County Police should initiate a hate crime probe to bring justice to the situation. We encourage anyone with information to contact the Nassau police immediately. ”   

She noted an earlier act of vandalism in Long Island targeted a mosque, and a recent string of burglaries targeting Muslim-owned business in Maryland: 

SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns Apparent Hate Vandalism Targeting Long Island Mosque

Community Advisory: CAIR Encourages Vigilance, Security Assessment for Baltimore-Area Businesses After String of Burglaries Targeting Local Halal Restaurants 

In its latest mid-year report, CAIR found that anti-Muslim hate crimes have increased this year.   

SEE: CAIR’s 2021 Mid-Year Snapshot Summary Report of Anti-Muslim Bias Incidents  

CAIR urges Muslim institutions and businesses to take extra security precautions using its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet. The advice in CAIR’s security publication is applicable to institutions of all faiths. 

CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq., 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; CAIR-NY Legal Director Ahmed Mohamed, 646-481-2103, ahmedmohamed@cair.com