(LOS ANGELES, CA – 5/22/2023) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today welcomed a resolution from the City Council of Pomona, Calif., condemning hate crimes and all forms of racism, religious or ethnic bias, discrimination, incitement of violence, and targeting of minority groups.
The resolution was sparked by Compassionate Pomona, a local community service and engagement group in Pomona, as violent acts and hate crimes towards minorities continue to increase. The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations recently reported that hate crimes in the county increased by 23% in 2021, the highest number in 19 years.
SEE: Pomona council condemns hate crimes, acts of violence toward minorities
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“With the rise of hate crimes and violence towards marginalized communities in recent years, it is imperative that community leaders not only condemn acts of hate but take action to create an environment of acceptance, empathy, and respect. We applaud the Pomona City Council for upholding their commitment to foster a diverse community of different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds, where everyone can thrive and live without fear.”
A staff report on behalf of the City Council states the resolution is a “commitment to compassion, equitable treatment and the condemnation of hate, racism and other acts of violence toward minorities.” The Pomona City Council previously adopted a similar resolution two years ago to combat violence and xenophobia against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
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