The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today unequivocally condemned the recent act of vandalism at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in Newark.
The temple was desecrated with anti-India graffiti, an act currently being investigated as a possible hate crime by the Newark Police Department.
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
“The defacement of the Swaminarayan temple is an apparent act of hate that deeply wounds our entire community. It is vital that those responsible are held accountable for this troubling act. Our solidarity is with the Hindu community during this challenging time. CAIR-SFBA is committed to fighting all forms of bigotry and standing with those targeted by hatred and discrimination.”
This latest act of vandalism is part of a disturbing trend of hate crimes in the Bay Area, including the recent destruction of a menorah at Lake Merritt in Oakland and pro-Palestine banners in San Jose. These reported acts of hatred against different religious and cultural communities underline the urgent need for unity and a strong, collective stand against bigotry.
SEE: CAIR-SFBA Condemns Vandalism of Lake Merritt Menorah in Oakland
As a civil rights organization, CAIR-SFBA remains dedicated to promoting interfaith harmony and mutual understanding.
“Our work is more crucial than ever,” added Billoo. “We must collectively work to foster a society where every place of worship is respected and protected.”
CAIR-SFBA reiterates its commitment to combating bigotry, racism, and hate in all its forms and encourages those experiencing acts of aggression, racism, and Islamophobia to contact its Civil Rights Department at 408.986.9874.
