(LOS ANGELES, CA – 7/18/2023) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for a hate crime investigation into vandalism targeting a mosque in Simi Valley, Calif.
In a video sent to CAIR-LA from the Islamic Society of Simi Valley (ISSV), a suspect is seen approaching the mosque and allegedly damaging the sign outside the building by breaking the letters off before leaving the scene.
SEE: Photos Courtesy of the Islamic Society of Simi Valley
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We are extremely saddened by the news that another mosque in our community has been vandalized. Our Muslim brothers and sisters deserve to feel safe and welcome in our neighborhoods, especially at our places of worship, and actions like these send a clear message of intolerance. We must continue to unite to promote mutual understanding and respect and protect our places of worship.
“We strongly call on the Simi Valley Police Department to use its resources to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident as a possible hate crime. We stand with the ISSV community and look forward to the suspect being apprehended.”
He urged religious institutions in California and nationwide to take extra security precautions by using advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.” The advice in the booklet is applicable to institutions of all faiths.
Individuals who may have information related to the incident are encouraged to contact the Simi Valley police department at (805) 583-6950 to provide any details that may aid the investigation.
To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 or click here to file a report.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’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