CHICAGO, IL–(ENEWSPF)–July 24, 2015 – The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) yesterday requested a hate crimes investigation into recent vandalism at the Islamic Center of the Quad Cities in Moline, Ill.
On July 20, 2015, a window at the Islamic Center of the Quad Cities was hit with a projectile during the Maghrib (sunset) prayer service. There were no reported injuries. CAIR-Chicago is asking local police to provide extra safety patrols to ensure community members are safe.
Mosque officials filed a police report, and the police and FBI are investigating the matter. The mosque has been active in the Moline community since 2004.
“The safety of our community is our primary concern. We trust in the due diligence of law enforcement to fully investigate this case and apprehend the perpetrator. Misguided attacks on houses of worship not only threaten the public peace but the foundational values upon which our nation was built,” said Ahmed Rehab, executive director of CAIR-Chicago.
PHOTO OF WINDOW DAMAGE
http://www.cairchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Quad-Cities-Window-Shot1.jpg
“We are grateful to be part of a strong faith community in Moline, and will continue to work together with our fellow community members and interfaith partners in engaging in dialogue and understanding,” said Zafar Ali, chairman of the board, Islamic Center of the Quad Cities.
CAIR-Chicago is asking area mosques to remain vigilant and raise their security levels. Several Illinois mosques and churches have been previously attacked.
A mosque in Morton Grove, Illinois was shot at multiple times during the summer of 2012:
See: Shots Fired at Illinois Mosque
http://www.cairchicago.org/blog/2012/08/press-release-shots-fired-at-illinois-mosque/
A number of churches and a mosque were attacked during a hate vandalism spree in Waukegan, Illinois in February 2014:
See: Chicago Area Churches, Mosque Vandalized
http://www.cair.com/press-center/cair-in-the-news/12383-chicago-area-churches-mosque-vandalized.html
A mosque in Orland Park, Illinois was shot at during the dawn prayer service:
See: CAIR-Chicago Seeks FBI Probe of Shot Fired at Illinois Mosque
Anyone who has information regarding the incident should contact the Moline Police department.
CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters 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
Source: www.cair.com
