TX Muslim Family's Cars Defaced with Hate Messages

CAIR-San Antonio asks FBI to probe incident as possible hate crime


TEXAS MUSLIM FAMILY'S CARS DEFACED WITH HATE MESSAGES

(SAN ANTONIO, TX, 7/16/07) - The San Antonio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Antonio) today called on the FBI to investigate vandalism targeting a Muslim family's home and vehicles as a possible hate crime.

The San Antonio Muslim family reported to CAIR that early Friday morning they discovered hate-filled graffiti such as "f*ck you" and "move out de hood" written on their van and car. One of the vehicles was also damaged by the vandals.

SEE: http://www.cair.com/carvandalized.asp [WARNING: Graphic language]

The family, originally from Egypt, stated that the vandalism followed an incident the previous weekend in which eggs were thrown at their home.

Within the last week, CAIR reported an arson attack on a Muslim family's home in Florida in which the attackers wrote anti-Muslim messages on the interior and exterior of the torched building. CAIR also reported a death threat received by the New York Muslim attorney representing six imams, or Islamic religious leaders, suing US Airways for discrimination.

"Unfortunately, public reaction to violent incidents overseas and the rising level of Islamophobic rhetoric in American society are producing an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility that can lead to such disturbing incidents," said CAIR-San Antonio President Sarwat Husain. She called on state and national religious and political leaders to repudiate anti-Muslim bigotry.

Husain is urging Muslim individuals and institutions nationwide to review security procedures using advice contained in CAIR's "Muslim Community Safety Kit." (See excerpts from the safety kit below.)

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 33 offices, chapters and affiliates nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CAIR Muslim community safety kit

Excerpts From CAIR Muslim Community Safety Kit