The summer saw an increase in concerns around Islamophobia from comments at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, the media coverage around the conventions and Da’esh related attacks overseas, and increased hate incidents across the country. With Ramadan coming to an end and the festivities of Eid at hand, the Bay Area Muslim community was still recovering from some of the blowback resulting from the shocking attack on an LGBTQ night club in Orlando carried out by an American Muslim. It was no coincidence that we received several complaints of hate related incidents in the Bay Area.
The complaints included assaults on hijab-wearing Muslims, bullying of Muslim students, and verbal harassment of Muslims in public parking lots.
One Bay Area Muslim woman was followed by another man while driving in her car. When she reached the stoplight, he pulled over next to her and called her names and specifically said, “You Muslim piece of s***.” It didn’t stop at the verbal harassment. He continued to block her car so as to restrict her movement. Luckily she had some pepper spray on her and she was able to use it on him, forcing him to pull away.
Another hijab wearing Muslim was assaulted at a local grocery store while she was trying to shop with her daughter. Mother and daughter were stalked and upon exiting, two men smashed eggs onto the mothers head and body.
CAIR continues to document all hate related incidents reported to the office and remains in touch with clients and local authorities on cases that involve criminal activity. For example, in one particular case, an American Muslimwas being stalked by two former classmates who he already had restraining orders against. The two classmates assaulted this Bay Area Muslim in violation of that restraining order, and have made disparaging comments about his Muslim identity, and even referred to his house as a “Muslim Island.” CAIR is currently in communication with the lead law enforcement officer on this case to ensure that this matter is taken seriously and that steps are taken to ensure the individual’s safety.
If you experience a hate crime or hate incident, no matter how small you may think it is, we strongly urge you to report it immediately. All reports to CAIR are confidential and there is no charge for our services.
REPORT AN INCIDENT HERE.