Press Release: CAIR-NY Seeks Hate Crime Probe of Attack on Muslim Woman

(NEW YORK, N.Y., 8/8/14) -- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called on the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to investigate as a possible hate crime an attack Wednesday on a 27-year-old South Asian Muslim woman in Jamaica, Queens.

 
The alleged victim reported to CAIR-NY that the female attacker approached her from behind and attempted to rip off her Islamic headscarf, or hijab, saying "What do you think you're doing? You can't do that! Don't you know today is the Sabbath?" The woman attempted to choke her and fled the scene.
 
"Because of the circumstances of the attack, the religious attire worn by the alleged victim, and the religious reference reportedly made by the attacker, we urge the NYPD to investigate this as a possible hate crime," said CAIR-NY Director of Operations Sadyia Khalique.
 
Earlier this week, CAIR-NY stood in solidarity with the Sikh community after a Sikh man, Sandeep Singh, was run over in Ozone Park, Queens. The attacker yelled "terrorists" and "go back to your country" before the attack.
 
SEE: CAIR-NY to Show Solidarity with Sikhs at News Conference Reacting to Hate Attack
 
Last month, CAIR-NY held a news conference at the Islamic Center of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn in reaction to hate incidents, including one in which individuals holding Israeli flags out of a car window screamed at and harassed worshippers in front of the mosque as worshippers gathered for morning prayers.
 
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns Hate Incidents Targeting Muslim Community

CAIR-NY Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Attack on Muslims Outside Mosque

Man Arrested for Harassing NY Muslims (NY Post)
 
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.
 
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CONTACT: CAIR-NY Director of Operations Sadyia Khalique, 212-870-2002, skhalique@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com