Dear Friends,
Just last month, the Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes held the first Muslim American Heritage Month Celebration in collaboration with MCN and the Arab American Association of New York at 60 Centre St near City Hall. It was a great honor to be recognized for the work of the Interfaith Center of New York at that event alongside other individuals and organizations in the community who have highlighted the contributions of Muslim New Yorkers.
Given the celebratory tone of this family-focused event – one that included performances by artists, dancers, and several children – it was particularly jarring to learn that several organizers and honorees were subjected to harassment on the steps of the building and sidewalk immediately following the event. The verbal abuse was so severe that NYPD Officers had to stand between these leaders and the individuals who pursued them, and, in some cases, walked the victims to their cars to help ensure their physical safety.
When so much of the evening celebrated the cultural achievements and civil rights and religious freedom battles fought and won by Muslim New Yorkers and their allies, it was a shocking ending to the evening. It is unacceptable for Muslim leaders – or anyone – to be targeted this way, and it underscores the importance of reporting hate incidents of any kind in New York City.
For suspected hate crimes or other emergencies, please call 911 and report them to your local precinct. I’d also encourage you to read the statement shared by The Arab American Association here.
Sincerely,
