Photo Credit: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP
(SACRAMENTO, CA – 7/30/24) – The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today welcomed Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that $76 million in grant funding is now available to help protect faith communities and combat the rise of hate in California.
On Tuesday, July 30, Governor Newsom released an official statement announcing that California will be expediting the deployment of $76 million in funds to increase safety for nonprofits that serve communities that are at a higher risk of experiencing hate-based crimes, including mosques, synagogues, and organizations serving the Black community.
The funding is provided through the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program, an initiative that aims to improve safety and security for nonprofits. The program provides grants for security enhancements including doors, gates, high-intensity lighting, access control systems, and inspection and screening systems.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“As indicated by the alarming increase in reported hate crimes, there is still much more work that needs to be done in addressing hate in California and ensuring that vulnerable groups feel safe in their houses of worship and community spaces. This expansion of funding highlights the state’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its Muslim, Jewish, Arab, Palestinian, and Black communities, and all communities impacted by the rise in hate and bigotry.
“We welcome this decision and encourage mosques and Muslim nonprofits in California to apply and proactively protect their communities from hate.”
He also emphasized the importance of reporting all complaints and incidents, even if action or follow-up isn’t requested. If you or someone you know are the victim of a hate crime or incident, immediately contact your local CAIR-CA office or click here to file a report.
Since Oct. 7, CAIR-CA has received an increase in reports of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian bias. In 2023, its statewide civil rights department received over 700 intakes, with 150 alleging Islamophobic, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab hate crimes and incidents.
SEE: New CAIR Data Shows Anti-Muslim, Anti-Palestinian Hate Remain Elevated in First Half of 2024
CAIR’s national office today announced that the surge in anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate that began in October 2023 has continued into the first half of 2024. From January to June, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming complaints—a 69% increase over the same period last year.
In April this year, CAIR released its 2024 Civil Rights Report, revealing the highest number of anti-Muslim incidents ever received in the organization’s 30-year history.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Madi Morse-Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com