(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 03/05/2019) – On February 28, 2019, CAIR-Columbus hosted a candlelight vigil in memory of Mustafa Ayoubi, an Indiana Muslim shot and killed allegedly by a man reportedly hurling Islamophobic slurs.
Mustafa was 32 years old and was described as incredibly funny, intelligent, and kind. His family called for vigils to be held in cities nationwide using #Justice4Mustafa. To honor that request, CAIR-Columbus called upon the Muslim community and its allies to stand in solidarity.
The vigil was intended to demonstrate the community’s sadness and grief, a cry for justice, and an opportunity to bring awareness to the fact that bigotry and hatred continue to threaten our communities.
“We gather tonight to mourn the tragic loss of Mustafa. It’s incredibly sad that the Muslim community lost yet another innocent soul to intolerance. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers,” CAIR-Columbus Operations Coordinator Monuza Ashraf said after the event.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. 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.