STATEMENT: ICNY calls upon New York political officials to adopt zero-tolerance of religious hate in wake of recent anti-Muslim incidents on Staten Island

The Interfaith Center of New York condemns last weekend’s incidents directed at Muslim New Yorkers celebrating Eid at Staten Island New Dorp Beach Park.  As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches and our city and country enter an important election season, ICNY calls on all elected officials and candidates for election in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx to resist stoking hatred and fear as a cynical means of attracting votes. Instead, we call on public officials both locally and nationally to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards acts of religiously or ethnically motivated hatred. The integrity and responsibility required for holding public office in our diverse democracy demands nothing less.