CAIR-NY Files Discrimination Claims for Three Muslim Families Denied Boarding by NYC Ferry, Called 'Security Issue'

CAIR-NY Files Discrimination Claims for Three Muslim Families Denied Boarding by NYC Ferry, Called 'Security Issue'

Photo Credit: Vincent Barone

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 10/16/2019) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today filed a discrimination complaint against the NYC Ferry on behalf of Muslim families denied boarding after being referred to as a “security issue.”

The families bringing the discrimination charges consist of three families: 3 mothers (2 wear hijab, religious headcovering); 2 infants; 4 young boys; and 2 young girls. The families allege that they were not allowed to board the ferry by NYC Ferry employees because they were labeled as a “security issue.” All other passengers were permitted to board. The denial of service occurred in public view.

The families spoke to security at the ferry dock who informed the families that there was no security issue. The ferry left the families and caused a two-hour delay and eventual cancellation of their plans. The young children have been traumatized and have asked their parents why they were not allowed to get on the ferry. After filing a complaint with the NYC Ferry, the families were told the situation was a “misunderstanding.” Because of the incident, a beautiful family fun day turned into one of the worst days of their lives.

The NYC Ferry is operated by HNY Ferry, LLC through a contract with the NYC Economic Development Corporation. The City of New York is the owner of NYC Ferry and responsible for the ferry service.

Read The Discrimination Complaint Filed Against NYC Ferry

CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed stated:

"All New Yorkers, regardless of creed, deserve equal and fair service free of discrimination, especially when using public transportation like the NYC Ferry. These families were humiliated and traumatized in public view and treated as suspect because they happen to be Muslim. That is unacceptable. We hope the City will live up to its commitment of nondiscrimination and swiftly correct this injustice.”

He noted that CAIR-NY regularly deals with discrimination in public accommodations and workplace.

Last week, CAIR-NY filed a federal discrimination complaint against International Design Services, Inc. (IDS) for “terrorizing” and retaliating against a Muslim employee.

SEE Press Release and Discrimination Complaint Against IDS

SEE: CAIR-NY Files Discrimination Complaint Over MTA Employee’s Mistreatment of Muslim Traveler
https://www.cair.com/cair_ny_files_discrimination_complaint_over_mta_employee_s_mistreatment_of_muslim_traveler

Video: CAIR-NY Files Discrimination Complaint Over MTA Employee’s Mistreatment of Muslim Traveler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbQTNzvFdeE

New Yorkers may also contact CAIR-NY for assistance by filing an incident report online at www.cair-ny.org/incident-report or call 646.665.7599.

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.

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com, 646-481-2103; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006

CAIR-NY Files Federal Discrimination Complaint Against Company for ‘Terrorizing,’ Retaliating Against Muslim Employee

CAIR-NY Files Federal Discrimination Complaint Against Company for ‘Terrorizing,’ Retaliating Against Muslim Employee

Supervisor told Muslim employee: ‘You belong to me!’ ‘I don’t like your religion’ and ‘Do you guys [Africans] eat monkey brains?’

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 10/10/2019) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today filed a federal discrimination complaint on behalf of Sudanese Muslim engineer against International Design Services, Inc. (IDS) for racial, religious and national origin discrimination and the creation of a hostile work environment.

According to the complaint, the Muslim employee was subjected to months long pattern of harassment, intimidation, proselytizing, and threats.  The Muslim worker was subjected to a “bootcamp” training program designed to harass him. His supervisor regularly yelled at and make physical and verbal threats and demeaning comments including, but not limited to:

• “If you get it [the answer to the question] wrong, I’ll run you over with the car.”

• “You belong to me!”

• While making a finger gun hand gesture mimicking a handgun and while pointing and placing the finger gun on claimant’s forehead, supervisor would say “if you get it wrong, I’m going to shoot you.”

• While holding his hand near claimant’s face, supervisor would inform claimant that he would “slap you [claimant] in the face” if you get this question wrong. Supervisor would then make a slapping motion as if to slap claimant in the face.

• Supervisor regularly ridiculed claimant by calling him stupid in front of colleagues. At times, supervisor would ask claimant: “Do you want to write the word ‘stupid’ so you remember how stupid you are?”

• “Do you guys [Africans] eat monkey brains?”

On at least 10 occasions, the supervisor told Muslim claimant “I don’t like your religion.” The supervisor tried to persuade claimant to stop praying, stop fasting during Ramadan and obsessively pressured him to drink alcohol in violation of his sincerely held religious beliefs.

After the Muslim claimant reported the discrimination, he was retaliated against and fired. The Muslim claimant suffered from depression and feared for his life during employment.

SEE Federal Discrimination Complaint v. IDS

CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed stated:

"No employee, Muslim or otherwise, should ever be subjected to the harassment and mistreatment faced by our client. Employees are not chattel. They have the right to be free from discrimination and to work in a non-hostile workplace. IDS’s conduct is repugnant. Instead of putting an end to the harassment, IDS condoned it and further punished our client when he began to speak out and request help. We look forward to holding IDS responsible for terrorizing our client and ensuring future employees are treated with respect and in a lawful manner.”

He noted that CAIR-NY regularly deals with workplace discrimination issues.

SEE: CAIR-NY Files Discrimination Complaint Over MTA Employee’s Mistreatment of Muslim Traveler

https://www.cair.com/cair_ny_files_discrimination_complaint_over_mta_employee_s_mistreatment_of_muslim_traveler

Video: CAIR-NY Files Discrimination Complaint Over MTA Employee’s Mistreatment of Muslim Traveler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbQTNzvFdeE

New Yorkers may also contact CAIR-NY for assistance by filing an incident report online at www.cair-ny.org/incident-report or call 646.665.7599. 

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.

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com, 646-481-2103; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006

CAIR-NY Condemns Anti-Semitic Vandalism of Holocaust Memorial

CAIR-NY Condemns Anti-Semitic Vandalism of Holocaust Memorial

Civil rights group stands in solidarity with Jewish Community during Yom Kippur

(NEW YORK, NY, 10/9/19) -- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned anti-Semitic vandalism targeting a Westchester County Holocaust memorial the day before Yom Kippur. 

It is unclear if authorities are investigating the vandalism at the Garden of Remembrance in White Plains as a bias-motivated incident. 

SEE: https://meaww.com/holocaust-victims-memorial-defiled-vandals-yom-kippur-eve-swastika-trump-yale-law-school

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

“It is heartbreaking that our Jewish brothers and sisters continue to be the targets of vile anti-Semitic incidents, especially near Judaism’s holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur.  We hope the authorities will investigate this act of vandalism as a bias-motivated incident. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community against the religious bigotry directed at their faith.”

CAIR-NY and the American Muslim community have in the past expressed solidarity with Jewish, Christian, Native American, African-American, and Sikh communities in New Mexico, Florida, South Carolina, Maryland, Alabama, Massachusetts, South Dakota, Ohio, Texas, and other states following acts of hate, threats, violence, vandalism, arson, or bombings. 

SEE: CAIR Condemns White Nationalist Symbols Discovered on University Campus in Maryland, Urges Campus Officials to Model Inclusivity

https://www.cair.com/cair_condemns_white_nationalist_symbols_discovered_on_university_campus_in_maryland_urges_campus_officials_to_model_inclusivity

Individuals in New York are asked to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-NY at (646) 665-7599, or by filing a report at: http://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report/

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.

END

CONTACT:  CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, anasher@cair.com; 917-669-4006

CAIR-NY Sues to Compel USCIS to Schedule Albanian Muslim New Yorker’s Naturalization Oath Ceremony After 58 Month Delay

CAIR-NY Sues to Compel USCIS to Schedule Albanian Muslim New Yorker’s Naturalization Oath Ceremony After 58 Month Delay

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 9/19/2019) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, filed suit to compel the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to schedule Rudina Cinari’s Naturalization Oath ceremony.

SEE CAIR-NY LAWSUIT

The suit alleges that immigration officials granted Ms. Cinari’s naturalization application in November 2014. USCIS scheduled Ms. Cinari’s oath ceremony but canceled it a week later. The suit alleges that immigration officials unlawfully re-opened Ms. Cinari’s naturalization application and have failed to reschedule her oath ceremony despite granting her application more than 58 months ago. The suit seeks a court order compelling USCIS to re-schedule Ms. Cinari’s oath ceremony so she can become a U.S. citizen.

The lawsuit is being filed by CAIR-NY and Davis, Ndanusa, Ikhlas & Saleem LLP on behalf of Ms. Cinari.

CAIR-NY’s Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed stated:

“A 58-month delay in re-scheduling an oath ceremony is preposterous and represents an egregious abuse of power by USCIS. This case is a representation of what is wrong with our naturalization process and is only a sample of the issues faced by Muslim Americans when seeking to become U.S. citizens. Ms. Cinari has been unjustly deprived of her rights and the benefits that come with being a U.S. citizen. She dreams of one day casting a ballot in an election, and we intend on making that a reality.”

Davis, Ndanusa, Ikhlas & Saleem LLP Attorney Mohammad Saleem stated:

“We are honored to represent Ms. Cinari in her fight to become a U.S. citizen. Unreasonably delays occur too often to our Muslim clients, and we do not hesitate to hold USCIS accountable for their flagrant abuse of the naturalization process.”

Muslim New Yorkers who have had their naturalization applications unreasonably delay are urged to contact CAIR-NY for assistance by filing an incident report online www.cair-ny.org/incident-report or calling 646.665.7599.

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

Davis Ndanusa Ikhlas & Saleem LLP is a full service litigation law firm located in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. With over 60 years of combined experience amongst their attorneys, they are committed to serving the Muslim community as well the entire five borough community.

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

CONTACT: CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103

CAIR-NY Welcomes Victory in Court Ruling Challenging Watchlist

CAIR-NY Welcomes Victory in Court Ruling Challenging Watchlist

(NEW YORK, N.Y. 09/05/19) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) welcomes yesterday’s court ruling as a “victory” in our national organizational challenge to the federal government’s terror watchlist in Elhady v. Kable (E.D.Va.).

SEE: US judge: Terror Watchlist Violates Constitutional Rights

Judge Anthony Trenga of the Eastern District of Virginia ruled that the government has unconstitutionally failed to provide watchlisted persons with notice and an opportunity for individuals to challenge their status. The judge granted CAIR’s motion for summary judgment in the case of 23 American Muslims who were unjustly labeled as suspected terrorists by their government, causing extensive harm to their families, careers, and ability to travel.

SEE: Judge Trenga’s Opinion

“CAIR has a half-dozen other watchlist cases pending in federal courts across the country, and this opinion will pave the wave for our continued victories,” said CAIR National Litigation Director Lena Masri. “Today’s opinion is a victory for the more than one hundred American Muslims we represent and for the thousands of American Muslims who are currently stigmatized by the watchlist.”

“We welcome the decision of this case which will hopefully bring relief to Muslims throughout America who have suffered harassment and come under suspicion through targeting by the federal government,” said CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed. “The 23 American Muslims must be applauded for their courage in standing up against the government and the watchlisting system that has terrorized them and the American Muslim community for over a decade. This is a victory not just for Muslims in America but for all Americans and for the Constitution.”

Mohamed also noted that CAIR-NY is currently representing dozens of innocent New Yorkers on the watchlist and is co-counseling a challenge to the watchlist in a Maryland federal court. Mohamed indicated that this victory will pave the way for the Maryland litigation and others around the country. Prior to joining as CAIR-NY’s litigation director, Mohamed was part of the legal team representing the plaintiffs in Elhady v. Kable (E.D.Va.).

Individuals in New York are asked to report any airport or border travel incidents to CAIR-NY at (646) 665-7599, or by filing a report at: http://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report/

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.

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, anasher@cair.com; 917-669-4006

CAIR-NY Condemns Anti-Semitic and Racist Graffiti at Queens’ Silver Gull Beach Club

CAIR-NY Condemns Anti-Semitic and Racist Graffiti at Queens’ Silver Gull Beach Club

(NEW YORK, NY, 9/02/19) -- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned anti-Semitic and racist graffiti at the Silver Gull Beach Club in Queens, New York. 

According to reports, “Heil Hitler” was scrawled in large block letters in the Club’s playground, “gas chamber” was painted on a door, and white walls were smeared with a red swastika and racial slurs targeting black people. 

The United States Park Police in New York are investigating the incident as a bias crime.

SEE: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/01/graffiti-beach-club-silver-gull.html

CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed stated:

“Hateful graffiti of any kind targeting anyone is unacceptable and has no place in our society. Vandalizing the Beach Club with ‘gas chamber’ graffiti shows the depravity and hateful nature of this incident. All communities need to unite to push back against the hateful ideology that continues to lead to the disturbingly increasing number of hate crimes targeting Jews, Muslims, African-Americans, and immigrants.” 

CAIR-NY and the American Muslim community have in the past expressed solidarity with Jewish, Christian, Native American, African-American, and Sikh communities in New Mexico, Florida, South Carolina, Maryland, Alabama, Massachusetts, South Dakota, Ohio, Texas, and other states following acts of hate, threats, violence, vandalism, arson, or bombings.  

Individuals in New York are asked to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-NY at (646) 665-7599, or by filing a report at: http://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report/

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.

END

CONTACT:  CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, anasher@cair.com; 917-669-4006

CAIR-NY Calls on NYPD to Investigate Anti-Muslim ‘Go Back to Your Country” Assault as Hate Crime

CAIR-NY Calls on NYPD to Investigate Anti-Muslim ‘Go Back to Your Country” Assault as Hate Crime

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 8/26/19) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to investigate an alleged anti-Muslim assault and harassment incident as a hate crime.

According to news reports, a white woman (pictured above) sitting behind a Muslim teenager wearing a hijab (religious head covering) shouted anti-Muslim remarks such as “Go back to your country,” and “What is that rag on your head.” The alleged assailant then reportedly spat on the teenager and then throw a cup of soda at her. The incident occurred on the MTA B6 bus late Friday afternoon.

NOTE: CAIR-NY is asking for the public’s help in identifying the alleged assailant. Her photo has been released, and she is described as 5-foot-5, 200-pound female with dark short hair. During the incident, the suspect had on glasses and was wearing a gray T-shirt, gray sweatpants and black sneakers along with a colorful head scarf.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS or CAIR-NY at 646-665-7599 or email info@ny.cair.com.

SEE: Bigot spouts anti-Muslim remarks, spits on and throws cup of soda at Hijab-wearing teen on Brooklyn bus
https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-anti-muslim-bus-brooklyn-teen-20190825-winlpreusnhjvpvfcbherqm5ye-story.html

Although Mayor De Blasio has denounced this Islamophobia incident, the NYPD has not indicated if the incident is being investigated by its Hate Crime Task Force.

CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher:

“Racist encounters like this have a lasting effect on victims. I pray the young Muslim sister who had this ugly and traumatic incident directed at her rises above the hatred. I also pray that anyone who can identify the aggressor comes forward before this bigot assaults yet another New Yorker simply for being Muslim."

Individuals in New York are asked to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-NY at (646) 665-7599, or by filing a report at: http://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report/

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.

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, anasher@cair.com; 917-669-4006

CAIR-NY Condemns Vandalism Targeting Mesiva Tiferes Yerushalayim Building

CAIR-NY Condemns Vandalism Targeting Mesiva Tiferes Yerushalayim Building

(NEW YORK, NY, 8/26/19) -- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned vandalism targeting the Mesiva Tiferes Yerushalayim building on the lower East Side of Manhattan.

According to reports, offensive and explicit graffiti was painted while everyone was inside the Bais Medrash. The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is reportedly investigating the incident. 

[NOTE: CAIR-NY is also asking for the public’s help in identifying the assailant.  If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.]

SEE: https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/general/1778907/photos-nasty-graffiti-painted-in-broad-daylight-at-mesivta-tiferes-yerushalayim.html

CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed stated:

“We stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters and strongly condemn this apparent act of hate vandalism. Such despicable actions have no place in our city. We hope this perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice.”  

CAIR-NY and the American Muslim community have in the past expressed solidarity with Jewish, Christian, Native American, African-American, and Sikh communities in New Mexico, Florida, South Carolina, Maryland, Alabama, Massachusetts, South Dakota, Ohio, Texas, and other states following acts of hate, threats, violence, vandalism, arson, or bombings.  

Individuals in New York are asked to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-NY at (646) 665-7599, or by filing a report at: http://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report/

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.

END

CONTACT:  CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, anasher@cair.com; 917-669-4006

CAIR-NY Decries Colonie Police Department’s Failure to Charge White Military Official for Making Deadly Islamophobic Threats

CAIR-NY Decries Colonie Police Department’s Failure to Charge White Military Official for Making Deadly Islamophobic Threats

Muslim civil rights group calls on Gov. Cuomo and state police to investigate threat as hate crime

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 8/22/19) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today decried a decision by the Colonie Police Department not to charge a white male -- identified as a high-ranking U.S. Army military official -- after he allegedly made Islamophobic threats to kill a Muslim man at the Crossings of Colonie playground.

According to the Muslim family, Colonie police declined to press charges because the suspect’s threat directed at Rashad Mohamed Benantar was First Amendment protected speech. The white military official reportedly told Mr. Benantar that he “came here today to die. You are going to die.” Prior to the deadly threats, the man shouted Islamophobic, xenophobic and racist comments such as “your prophet is a dog” and “this is a Christian country” at Muslim children in the playground.   

SEE ALSO: https://wnyt.com/news/colonie-police-talk-to-suspect-in-possible-hate-crime-case/5464844/?cat=10114

In a statement, CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed said:

“To characterize a deadly threat that is preceded by an Islamophobic and racist rant as First Amendment protected speech is ludicrous and dangerous. If any Muslim man walked up to a white family and shouted ‘you came here today to die. You are going to die,’ that Muslim man would be locked up and the keys thrown away. 

“We believe this suspect is being given a free pass because he is white and comes from a position of power as he is a high-ranking military official. The Colonie Police Department ought to be ashamed for putting the interest of a high-ranking military official over the safety and security of citizens it is supposed to protect. 

“They have sent the message that Muslim lives do not matter. If any harm comes to this family, the blame lays at the feet of the Colonie Police Department.  They are allowing a trained military officer to roam the streets after making deadly threats.

“The Colonie Police Department has abdicated its duty to enforce the law. We are calling on Governor Cuomo and New York State Police to step in and restore law and order before this suspect makes good on his deadly promise.”

Mohamed also called on law enforcement to provide the identity of the white male suspect to the public and the family. He noted that the family has no way of protecting themselves since they do not know the identity of the suspect.

In a statement, Rashad Mohamed Benantar said:

“My family and I were targeted because of our religion, and this white man whom I’m told is a highly ranked member of the U.S. Army threatened to kill me.  It is shocking and disheartening to learn that Colonie Police believe that making deadly threats while spewing Islamophobic and racists rants is protected speech. We do not believe this was a fair and impartial investigation and believe this individual was given preferential treatment because of his military status. Our family is shaken and fearful of this man and what he is capable of. We thought Colonie Police were going to protect us. Despite the pain and fear, I am glad my family and I stood up to this racist. Our religion teaches us to fight for justice especially in the face of this kind of hate and bigotry. While law enforcement has let us down, we want to thank the public and our friends for the help, thoughts, and prayers during this difficult time.” 

SEE BENANTAR’S FACEBOOK POST:  https://www.facebook.com/IPMhmd

Individuals in New York are asked to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-NY at (646) 665-7599, or by filing a report at: http://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report/

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.

END 

CONTACT:  CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103

CAIR-NY Calls on Colonie Police to Probe Threats to Kill Muslims as Hate Crime

CAIR-NY Calls on Colonie Police to Probe Threats to Kill Muslims as Hate Crime

Muslim civil rights group asks for public’s help in identifying white male suspect who shouted Islamophobic slurs

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 8/20/19) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Colonie Police Department in the Town of Colonie, N.Y., to investigate alleged Islamophobic threats to kill Muslims as a hate crime. 

CAIR-NY is also asking for the public’s help in identifying the white male suspect (pictured above holding a drink in his right hand) who reportedly claimed to be a police officer. 

According to Rashad Mohamed Benantar, while he was at the Crossings of Colonie playground yesterday with his young nephews and one-month-old son, a white man approached his nephews. The man allegedly began to shout Islamophobic, xenophobic and racist comments such as “your prophet is a dog” and “this is a Christian country” at the children.   

When Benantar came to the children’s aid, the white man reportedly threatened Benantar, telling him “You came here today to die. You are going to die.” Once the man noticed that 911 was being called, he fled the scene in a white Mercedes SUV.  During the incident, the alleged assailant identified himself as a police officer. 

SEE BENANTAR’S FACEBOOK POST:  https://www.facebook.com/IPMhmd

CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed said:

“The Colonie Police Department must investigate this incident as a hate crime and needs to do so before this suspect tries to follow through with his deadly promises. The thought that he may be a police officer is disturbing. This family has allegedly been terrorized by this bigot and we are asking for the public’s help in identifying him. Anyone with information about this incident, should contact Colonie Police and our office at 646-665-7599 or legal@ny.cair.com. This incident is yet another example of how the political environment has emboldened bigots to attack marginalized communities. We need law enforcement to send a loud message that terrorizing civilians will not be tolerated.”  

Yesterday, CAIR-NY called on the NYPD to probe the stabbing of an Afro-Caribbean Haitian as a hate crime when a white suspect allegedly yelled “All of these ni**ers need to get the hell out of the community.”

SEE: https://www.cair-ny.org/news/2019/8/19/cair-ny-community-advocate-call-on-nypd-to-probe-stabbing-of-afro-caribbean-haitian-as-hate-crime

Individuals in New York are asked to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-NY at (646) 665-7599, or by filing a report at: http://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report/

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.

END 

CONTACT:  CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103

CAIR-NY Welcomes NYPD Firing of Officer Daniel Pantaleo

CAIR-NY Welcomes NYPD Firing of Officer Daniel Pantaleo

Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AP

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 8/19/19) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed NYPD’s decision to fire Officer Daniel Pantaleo for causing the death of Eric Garner on July 17, 2014.

SEE: https://www.thedailybeast.com/daniel-pantaleo-cop-who-killed-eric-garner-fired-by-nypd-commissioner-james-oneill

Earlier this month, an NYPD judge recommended that Officer Pantaleo be fired for fatally choking Eric Garner in 2014.  This came after the Department of Justice declined to bring federal charges against Pantaelo.

SEE: CAIR-NY Slams DOJ for Failure to Charge NYPD Officer for Eric Garner’s Death 

In a statement, CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed said:

“Nothing will bring back Eric Garner; however, we are glad that Commissioner O’Neill did the right thing in firing Officer Pantaleo. We hope this is just the beginning of the NYPD’s process of disciplining the officers involved in Mr. Garner’s death. The fact it took 5 years and international outcry to reach today’s decision means we must continue to fight so that law enforcement truly value the lives of our black brothers and sisters. Unfortunately, we continue to see a lack of accountability and transparency, in addition to biased policing that led to Mr. Garner’s inexcusable death.”

Mohamed cited to three recent bias policing cases, including police excessive use of force, filed by CAIR-NY.

SEE: https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/muslim-nyers-choked-brushed-nypd-cops-complaints-say

SEE ALSO: https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2019/08/15/under-increased-scrutiny-nypd-faces-bias-complaints-from-muslim-new-yorkers-1144522

CAIR-NY is a chapter of America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

END

CONTACT: Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Litigation Director: Ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103; Afaf Nasher, CAIR-NY Executive Director: anasher@cair.com; 917-669-4006

CAIR-NY, Community Advocate Call on NYPD to Probe Stabbing of Afro-Caribbean Haitian as Hate Crime

CAIR-NY, Community Advocate Call on NYPD to Probe Stabbing of Afro-Caribbean Haitian as Hate Crime

White suspect allegedly said: ‘All of these ni**ers need to get the hell out of the community’

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 8/19/19) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for a hate crime investigation of an East Flatbush stabbing.

According to reports, Michael Fasulo, a white male, walked into a Boost Mobile in East Flatbush and stabbed an Afro-Caribbean Haitian male employee. Prior to the stabbing, Fasulo allegedly called the black victim the N-word. The suspect is charged with two counts of assault and criminal possession of a weapon. NYPD is not investigating the incident as a hate crime.  According to witnesses, while Fasulo was escorted by NYPD, he yelled “All of these ni**ers need to get the hell out of the community.”

SEE News 12 Report: http://brooklyn.news12.com/story/40929017/community-members-want-east-flatbush-stabbing-treated-as-hate-crime  

CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed said:

“When a suspect reportedly shouts racial slurs during and after an attack, there is no excuse for the NYPD not to investigate the incident as a hate crime. This suspect used a variation of Trump’s trademark hate speech phrase ‘get the hell out of the community.’ NYPD has to send a message to bigots that their hateful actions have consequences.” 

Community Advocate Anthony Beckford said:

“Michael Fasulo knowingly went into the Boost Mobile with a knife with the intent to harm someone. The racist derogatory words that he used before and even after the vicious attack prove that this was a malicious hate-filled attack which deems it as a hate crime. We are demanding that he be charged with a hate crime and that any and all hate crimes against our community, be categorized as such and no longer dismissed or miscategorized. There are disparities in the way that we are policed and evidently in the way that the police department chooses to protect our community. It is now known that this racist attacker is a Trump supporter as many of the perpetrators of past hate crimes against the black, Muslim and Jewish communities have been. We must unite together against this one common enemy which is out to divide us and destroy us. I call on every single black, Brown, White, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Catholic, Hindu and Asian Community member in Brooklyn and throughout the city and the country to come together in a unified stance against hate, bigotry, racism, xenophobia, islamophobia and white supremacy.”
 

CAIR-NY is asking community members to call the Hate Crimes Task Force at 1-888-440-HATE and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office at 718-250-4949 to demand that Michael Fasulo be investigated for a hate crime. 
 

Individuals in New York are asked to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-NY at (646) 665-7599, or by filing a report at: http://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report/
 

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.

END

CONTACT:  CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103; Community Advocate Anthony Beckford 347-729-9775

CAIR-NY Litigation Director To Speak at APPAC Annual Youth Conference

CAIR-NY Litigation Director To Speak at APPAC Annual Youth Conference
CAIR-NY Encourages Youth Registration

(NEW YORK, NY, 8/15/19) - On Saturday, August 17, the litigation director of the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will speak at the APPAC 2019 Annual Youth Conference at St. John’s University in Jamaica, Queens. 

The Youth Conference is hosted and organized by the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC). The event is free, but participants must register. Registration is still open. 

Register Here: APPAC Youth Conference 

WHAT: APPAC 2019 Annual Youth Conference

WHEN: Saturday, August 17, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

WHERE: D’Angelo Center, St. John’s University; Gate 6, 81-98 170th St. Jamaica, NY 11439

CAIR-NY’s Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed will speak in the 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. forum about fighting the hate. Other speakers at the conference include: NYS Senator John Brooks, Emgage Rep. Ahsia Badi, and NYC Deputy Public Advocate Kashif Hussain.  

CAIR-NY encourages all interested youth to register for the conference before registration closes. 

New Yorkers experiencing discrimination are encouraged to file an incident report online at www.cair-ny.org/incident-report or by calling 646-665-7599.  

CAIR is 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.

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.

- END -

CAIR-NY, Allies, Clients Press Conference Announcing NYPD Misconduct Complaints and Call for Accountability and Transparency

MEDIA ADVISORY

CAIR-NY, Allies, Clients Press Conference Announcing NYPD Misconduct Complaints and Call for Accountability and Transparency

(NEW YORK, NY, 8/14/19) – On Thursday, August 15, the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), along with civil rights activists and community partners, will hold a press conference outside of NYPD Headquarters at 1 Police Plaza to announce two bias policing and a police excessive use of force complaints with the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). 

CAIR-NY and allies will be calling for police accountability and transparency. 

WHAT: Press Conference Announcing NYPD Misconduct Complaints and Call for Accountability and Transparency
WHERE: NYPD Headquarters, 1 Police Plaza 
WHEN: Thursday, August 15, 10am 
WHO: CAIR-NY; Allies; and Complainants Abrar Chowdhury (and his family) and Rayhanah Alhanafi.
CONTACT:  CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, anasher@cair.com; 917-669-4006

The complainants comprise of the following:

Abrar Chowdhury: Abrar is a 16-year-old Muslim teenager of Bengali descent.  Abrar was attacked by a 35-40-year-old Hispanic male and other teenagers. Abrar suffered serious bodily harm requiring surgery and a 3-day hospital stay. Abrar had 4 titanium plates inserted in his face. The NYPD did not notify the family of the case closure and stopped communicating with the family after Abrar failed the photo lineup. The family contacted NYPD with case leads but has received no response. 

SEE: Photos of Abrar’s Injuries at https://www.cair-ny.org/abrar-photos-of-injury

Rayhanah Alhanafi: Rayhanah is an African American Muslim woman. Rayhanah was pulled over for a traffic violation.  NYPD Officers sought to arrest and search her. Rayhanah did not protest the arrest but informed the Officers that she was Muslim and requested a female officer to pat and search her in accordance with her religious beliefs.  Rayhanah was surrounded by 4 male officers.  Once Rayhanah took a step backwards, the male officers grabbed and threw her to the ground. One officer placed his knees on her upper back/neck and his hands around her throat.  During the assault, Rayhanah pleaded with officer to “stop,” “that hurts,” and “I can’t breathe.”  Officers only relented once bystanders started filming and yelling for them to stop.  Thereafter, she was denied medical treatment.  Rayhanah suffered a hairline fracture in her neck.  Rayhanah was charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. 

Fatoumata Camara: A black Muslim woman that was victim of a hate crime of May 10, 2019. NYPD allegedly failed to investigate and prematurely closed the case. Camara investigated her own hate crime and NYPD was forced to re-open the investigation on June 7, 2019.  However, NYPD has made no arrests since.  

SEE: Muslim Woman Investigated Her Own Hate Crime After NYPD Dismissed Her Case

Video: CAIR-NY Represents Muslim Woman Beaten by Group of Teens Hurling Religious, Racial Insults
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QTlNwXMyFA

CAIR is 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.

Individuals in New York are asked to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-NY at (646) 665-7599, or by filing a report at: http://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report/

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.

Become a Fan of CAIR-NY on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/CAIRNewYork/

Subscribe to CAIR-NY's E-Mail List
https://www.cair-ny.org/

Follow CAIR-NY on Twitter
https://twitter.com/CAIRNewYork

Follow CAIR-NY on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cairnewyork/

CAIR-NY Files Federal, State Religious Discrimination Complaints Against NYS Dept. of Corrections on Behalf of Muslim Chaplain

CAIR-NY Files Federal, State Religious Discrimination Complaints Against NYS Dept. of Corrections on Behalf of Muslim Chaplain
Supervisor: ‘I find it hard to respect a woman who covers her hair.’

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 8/13/2019) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today filed federal and state employment discrimination complaints against the New York State Department of Corrections on behalf of a former Muslim chaplain employee for alleged harassment, hostile workplace and retaliation.

The former employee, a Muslim American woman who wears a hijab, religious head cover, alleges that a supervisor engaged in years of harassment in an attempt to terminate her. The supervisor told colleagues that she “find[s] it hard to respect a woman who covers her hair.”

At the beginning of the discriminatory treatment, the supervisor informed colleagues that she wanted to pursue termination to get rid of the American Muslim chaplain. When the Muslim chaplain reported the discrimination to the superintendent, the superintendent failed to investigate and took no corrective action.

Other discriminatory and retaliatory conduct included: denial of time to prepare for Friday congregational prayer; punitive schedule changes; destruction of Islamic scriptural decals; false misconduct allegations; and undermining of authority with inmates. Before her resignation, the Muslim chaplain’s supervisor refused to give her access to prayer rugs that were ordered for the facility. The supervisor informed her that “I am not giving them to you.”

Because of the workplace hostility, the Muslim chaplain started counseling to cope with the hostility and was placed on anti-depressants by her doctor. As a result, the Muslim chaplain was forced to resign her position.

SEE Discrimination Complaint: Muslim Chaplain v. DOCCS

CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed stated:

"Our client stood up for herself numerous times but the people whose job it was to investigate and protect her from this hostility failed her. The Department of Corrections has a lot of explaining to do for its refusal to take any corrective steps. The Department of Corrections condoned this behavior and caused severe emotional and psychological pain and suffering. We hope the Department will come to its senses, pass down discipline, and make this right.”

CAIR has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.

In a published report, CAIR noted a 17 percent increase in bias-motivated incidents and a 15 percent increase in hate crimes against American Muslims since Trump took office.

New Yorkers may also contact CAIR-NY for assistance by filing an incident report online at www.cair-ny.org/incident-report or by calling 646-665-7599.

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.

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com, 646-481-2103; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006

CAIR-NY; Tariq Law Firm File #BankingWhileMuslim Federal Lawsuit Against Citibank

CAIR-NY; Tariq Law Firm File #BankingWhileMuslim Federal Lawsuit Against Citibank

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 8/12/2019) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and the Tariq Law Firm today announced the filing of a federal discrimination lawsuit against Citibank for closing, without justification, credit and bank accounts of a Muslim customer.

According to the lawsuit, Citibank closed Mohammed Ahmed’s, an American-Muslim of Bangladeshi descent, bank accounts around March 4, 2019, without providing any reasons for the closure. The following week, Citibank closed Ahmed’s credit card accounts.  When Ahmed requested an explanation for the closures, Citibank refused to provide one.

SEE #BankingWhileMuslim Lawsuit: Koysor v. Citibank

The lawsuit was filed on August 1, 2019 and is part of the #BankingWhileMuslim campaign to end discriminatory policies by banks and other financial institutions.  Ahmed is suing for violations of federal, state, and city anti-discrimination laws.

The lawsuit comes after years of discriminatory banking practices targeting Muslims.

SEE: Are Muslim-owned bank accounts being singled out by big banks?

Last month, CAIR-NY filed a discrimination complaint against Citibank for refusing to open a savings account once Citibank learned of the beneficiary’s Arabic name. 

SEE Discrimination Complaint Against Citibank For Denial of Services

SEE ALSO:

NY Daily News: https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-muslim-lawsuit-citibank-20190723-bdsrchkbkjf5vfm3wol3qdwfcq-story.html

The Hill: https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/454374-muslim-group-alleges-religious-discrimination-by-citibank

Subhan Tariq of The Tariq Law Firm stated:

“Unfortunately, this is part of a growing trend we are seeing in the last number of years. We call on the Department of Justice to do a thorough inquiry of the underlying circumstances that have led to numerous Muslims being de-banked by the largest banking and financial institutions in our country.”

Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Litigation Director stated:

“Closing bank accounts on the basis of nationality or religion is illegal. Citibank must do the right thing and stop its discriminatory practice of singling out American Muslims. ‘Banking while Muslim’ is not crime. If Citibank and other financial institutions continue to discriminate, we will be there to hold them accountable.”

Mohamed noted that CAIR-NY has documented a pattern of banking discrimination targeting Muslims and individuals of Arab ancestry. 

ALERT: CAIR-NY is in the process of collecting data for its #BankingWhileMuslim campaign. If you have faced discrimination at a bank or had a bank or credit account closed without justification or explanation, please tell us your story by taking our banking while Muslim survey at www.cair-ny.org/bankingwhilemuslim or by going to social media (Facebook; Twitter; Instagram) and sharing your story using the #BankingWhileMuslim.  

New Yorkers may also contact CAIR-NY for assistance by filing an incident report online at www.cair-ny.org/incident-report or by calling 646-665-7599.  

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

The Tariq Law Firm is a consumer rights law firm committed to protecting average consumers from unfair and unethical treatment. 

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.

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com, 646-481-2103; Subhan Tariq, 718-674-1245, subhan@tariqlaw.com

GOOD NEWS ALERT: CAIR-NY Reunites Yemeni-American Family Separated by Muslim Ban

GOOD NEWS ALERT:

CAIR-NY Reunites Yemeni-American Family Separated by Muslim Ban

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 8/6/2019) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced the reunification of a Yemeni-American family that was separated by President Trump’s Muslim Ban. 

Yesterday, Saleh Almuganahi and his wife and two daughters arrived in New York City. Last month, CAIR-NY sued the Trump administration for retroactively applying the Muslim Ban to revoke an approved visa for Almuganahi’s wife. Within 24 hours of filing suit, the U.S. Embassy approved the visa.  Almuganahi immediately departed the United States to make arrangements for his family to make their way to America.   

Before CAIR-NY’s intervention, the Almuganahi’s visa was pending for more than 21 months. 

SEE CAIR-NY LAWSUIT

SEE ALSO: https://www.amny.com/news/travel-ban-lawsuit-1.33597533

 Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Litigation Director stated:

 “We are happy for the Almuganahi family and welcome them to New York City. This family has suffered needlessly to satisfy Trump’s thirst to block Muslims and immigrants from entering the country. It is very sad that American-Muslims have to resort to federal lawsuits to force this administration to follow the law. There are countless families that are not as lucky today because they are still separated by Trump’s cruel policies.” 

Carey Shenkman, CAIR-NY Of Counsel stated:

"We are proud to welcome the Almuganahi family to New York and hope to be able to soon welcome other families impacted by the terrible Muslim ban."

Muslims who have had their previously approved visas revoked because of the Muslim Ban are being urged to contact CAIR-NY for assistance by filing an incident report online at https://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report or calling 646-665-7599. 

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

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com, 646-481-2103; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006

CAIR, CAIR-NY Call on New York Young Republican Club to Disinvite Anti-Islam Speaker Pamela Geller

CAIR, CAIR-NY Call on New York Young Republican Club to Disinvite Anti-Islam Speaker Pamela Geller

(NEW YORK, NY, 8/2/19) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and its New York chapter (CAIR-NY) today called on the New York Young Republican Club to disinvite Pamela Geller, an anti-Islam speaker who claims that “Hitler and the Nazis were inspired by Islam” and that Islam “mandates” lies and deception.

The club plans to host Geller at the Women’s National Republican Club on August 15th for its August Speaker Series.

SEE: New York Young Republican Club August Speaker Series With Pamela Geller
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-york-young-republican-club-august-speaker-series-with-pamela-geller-tickets-64975692044

Geller is a notorious Islamophobe who seeks to mainstream the false idea that terrorist acts carried out by Muslims spring not from perversions of Islam but from the religion itself. She is the president of the American Freedom Defense Initiative, an anti-Muslim organization known for its demeaning print media advertising that has likened Muslims to savages.

SEE: CAIR Backgrounder on the American Freedom Defense Initiative
http://www.islamophobia.org/islamophobic-organizations/39-american-freedom-defense-initiative.html

“The New York Young Republican Club should not provide a legitimizing platform to a speaker who promotes a false, vitriolic conception of Islam and American Muslims, some of whom are themselves Republicans,” said CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher. “If the New York Young Republican Club is interested in hosting a speaker who accurately portrays Islam and Muslims, we would be happy to work with them to suggest credible and objective alternatives.”

Previous Islamophobic Statements by Geller:

• “The fact is that the quran [sic] is war propaganda, and you are the target.” On her blog, 2013.

• Geller attacked the Pope, saying “At a time when Christianity worldwide is under siege by Islamic jihadists, the leader of the Catholic Church claims that the quran [sic] teaches non-violence. As Christians across the Muslim world live in abject terror and fear kidnapping, rape and slaughter to the bloodcurdling cries of ‘Allahu akbar,’ the pope gives papal sanction to the savage.” On her blog, 2013.

• Geller ranted against a group of Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders in Denver who had launched a “Love Thy Neighbor” ad campaign. She called them “craven quisling crew,” “knaves,” “nudniks” and “clowns.” On her blog, 2012.

• After news emerged that U.S. Marines had urinated on corpses in Afghanistan, Geller stated, “I love these Marines. Perhaps this is the infidel interpretation of the Islamic ritual of washing and preparing the body for burial.” On her blog, 2012.

• “Asking for prayer space in public schools for Muslim children is imposing Islam. If the child is religious, send them to madrassa.” In a New York Times interview, 2010.

• Sharia law is “the most radical and intolerant system of governance on the face of the earth.” In her book, Stop Islamization of America, 2011.

• "Islam is not a race. This is an ideology. This is an extreme ideology, the most radical and extreme ideology on the face of the earth." In an interview on Fox Business' "Follow the Money," 2011.

• "Hitler was inspired by Islam.” In an interview on the Alyona Show, 2010.

• Geller promoted a conspiracy theory alleging, Muslim groups "control information and how it is processed at senior levels of the CIA, the FBI, the Pentagon, and the various branches of the military.” Her blog, 2010.

• “I don’t think that many westernized Muslims know when they pray five times a day that they’re cursing Christians and Jews five times a day. I don’t think they know that…I do not believe in the idea of a moderate Islam.” In a New York Times interview, 2010.

• "Now do I see everything through the prism of Israel? No, I don't, but I do think it's a very good guide. It's a very good guide because, like I said, in the war between the civilized man and the savage, you side with the civilized man. … If you don't lay down and die for Islamic supremacism, then you're a racist anti-Muslim Islamophobic bigot. That's what we're really talking about." In a New York Times interview, 2010.

• “Pious Muslims are jihadis.” On her blog, 2008.

The Washington-based civil rights organization has witnessed an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.

CAIR has repeatedly expressed concern about Islamophobic, white supremacist and racist Trump administration policies.

Muslim community members are asked to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-NY at (646) 665-7599, or by filing a report at: http://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report/

CAIR-NY is New York’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.

La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, 646-481-2103, ahmedmohamed@cair.com

CAIR-NY Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Noose Found Hanging from Tree in Louis Engle Park

CAIR-NY Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Noose Found Hanging from Tree in Louis Engle Park

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 8/1/19) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for a hate crime investigation of an incident involving a noose hanging from a tree at Louis Engle Park in Westchester County. 

According to a News 12 report, police officers have removed the noose and are investigating to see if this was a hate crime.  Police are describing the noose as a “string from sweatpants.” 

SEE News 12 Report: http://westchester.news12.com/story/40863012/suspicious-rope-found-hanging-on-tree-at-louis-engle-park

CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed said:

“CAIR-NY stands strongly against bigotry and hate crimes. Hanging a noose in a local park is repugnant, harmful and can only send a message of hate and intimidation. It is important for law enforcement to accurately categorize the rope for what it is: a noose. Accordingly, authorities must swiftly investigate this racist incident as a possible hate crime. Bigots must understand that their hateful actions have consequences.” 

Mohamed noted that New York state has an anti-noose bill that makes hanging of a noose to intimidate the public illegal.

SEE Anti-Noose Crime Statute: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/240.31

Individuals in New York are asked to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-NY at (646) 665-7599, or by filing a report at: http://www.cair-ny.org/incident-report/

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.

END

CONTACT:  CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher anasher@cair.com; 917-669-4006

CAIR-NY Files Discrimination Complaint Over MTA Employees’ Mistreatment of Muslim Traveler

CAIR-NY Files Discrimination Complaint Over MTA Employees’ Mistreatment of Muslim Traveler
African-American Muslim Woman told ‘I don’t answer questions from people who look like you,’ CAIR-NY asks public to share their #myMTAstory

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 7/30/2019) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced the filing of a discrimination complaint with the New York City Human Rights Commission against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) for refusing service to Leitoya Dixon, an African-American Muslim who wears a hijab (religious headscarf).

SEE Discrimination Complaint Against MTA For Denial of Services

According to the discrimination complaint, on May 7, 2019, during the holy month of Ramadan, Dixon requested assistance locating her train from two MTA agents at Penn Station. The agents refused to assist her, causing her to miss her train. One of the agents told her “I don’t answer questions from people who look like you.” Another MTA employee reportedly informed Dixon that this is not the first time that the agent had discriminated against customers. As a result of her experience with MTA, Dixon no longer feels comfortable or safe wearing her hijab in public.

“I am an unapologetically proud African-American Muslim woman who wears a hijab,” said Ms. Dixon, the complainant. “Still, it took time to feel that same pride after I was humiliated and denied service by MTA during Ramadan, my holy month. The promise of America is one of freedom and equality for all people, including me, but that seems to be lost on the MTA. I am a woman, a mother, and a human being who just wants to make it home to her family like everyone else.”

“New York City prides itself on being an epicenter of diversity and social justice, yet the MTA’s actions in this case diametrically oppose that ideal,” said Princess Masilungan, CAIR-NY’s legal fellow. “We are grateful that Ms. Dixon had the courage to stand up against the discrimination she experienced, and now it is up to us and the Commission to hold the MTA accountable and ensure that it does not sweep Ms. Dixon’s complaint under the rug.”

In a show of solidarity and to bring attention to similar discriminatory issues at the MTA, CAIR-NY is asking New Yorkers to share their #myMTAstory on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).

New Yorkers may also contact CAIR-NY for assistance by filing an incident report online at www.cair-ny.org/incident-report or call 646.665.7599.

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.

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com, 646-481-2103; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006