CAIR‑NY Welcomes Hate Crime Charge in Vandalism at Queens Church
(NEW YORK, NY, 6/24/25) - 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 welcomes the hate crime charge against the man accused of reportedly vandalizing and desecrating the Holy Family Church in Fresh Meadows, Queens on Saturday.
SEE: Vandal Charged With Hate Crime After Defacing Queens’ Church Statue
On Saturday, June 21st at 8 pm, the Holy Family Church in Fresh Meadows was vandalized for the fourth time since 2023. This time the vandal, Freddy Genao, allegedly damaged the church’s two front doors as well as a statue of the Holy Family. According to a police report, the suspect hit multiple doors of the church with a crowbar before using it to damage the statue. The NYPD has arrested and charged 38-year-old Freddy Genao with a hate crime as well as criminal possession of a weapon for his involvement in the incident.
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns Alleged Hate Vandalism at Queens Church (February 2024)
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq., said:
“We strongly reject and condemn all acts of hatred against any religious house of worship.. Every community deserves the right to gather peacefully, worship freely, and have their places of prayer treated with respect. We commend the NYPD for their swift action in apprehending the individual responsible for this reprehensible act of hate. We stand in solidarity with our neighbors and all faith communities targeted by hate.”
Nasher urges faith leaders to utilize the guidance provided in its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities secure.
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, 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.
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CONTACT:
Afaf Nasher, Esq., Executive Director, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006
CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com