CAIR-NY Call on Public Officials to Speak Out Against Rising Islamophobia After Anti-Muslim Vandalism of Stop Signs in Deer Park

(NEW YORK, NY, 4/29/2026) - 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 called on public officials and community leaders to speak out against rising Islamophobia in New York and nationwide after at least nine stop signs in Deer Park, a hamlet in the Town of Babylon, were defaced with the word “Islam” carved beneath the word “STOP.” 

CAIR-NY also called on local law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation into the anti-Muslim vandalism.

SEE: Instagram post from @muslimsoflongisland documenting vandalism 

According to reports from community members, the vandalism was promptly reported to the Town of Babylon, resulting in removal of the sign. Multiple stop signs in the same area were similarly defaced shortly after. Residents again contacted town officials and the police. While the town removed most of the affected signs, some reportedly remain in place. 

One responding officer allegedly did not immediately file a report once informed. A second officer later arrived, documented the incident, and acknowledged the presence of the graffiti. A community member informed CAIR-NY that they contacted the state attorney, as well as general and local politicians.  

CAIR-NY expressed concern over both the nature of the vandalism and the initial response to the incident. 

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

“This repeated defacement of public property using the word ‘Islam’ in a derogatory context is deeply troubling. Such acts contribute to a climate of hostility and fear for Muslim residents and those perceived to be Muslim. Equally concerning are reports of a delayed or inadequate initial response. Every act that may target a protected community deserves to be taken seriously. We urge authorities to act swiftly and communicate transparently with the public about the status of this investigation. We also urge public officials to speak out against growing Islamophobia in New York and nationwide.” 

 CAIR-NY is urging the Suffolk County Police Department to conduct a full and transparent investigation into these incidents and to ensure appropriate accountability. 

The organization is also calling on local officials to prioritize the prompt removal of all remaining vandalized signs and to take proactive steps to reassure affected community members. 

According to CAIR’s most recent civil rights report, complaints of anti-Muslim bias and discrimination have continued to rise nationwide, reflecting an ongoing pattern of Islamophobia impacting communities across the country.   

CAIR-NY encourages any witnesses or individuals with information related to these incidents to come forward and assist in the investigation. 

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. CAIR-NY Executive Director, ANasher@cair.com    

CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com