CAIR-Columbus, interfaith partners and local mosques held a press conference following the terror attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, during prayers on Friday March 15, 2019. See the full press conference video here.
CAIR-Columbus is urging mosques and other Islamic institutions to take measures outlined in its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet. The advice in CAIR’s security publication is applicable to all institutions, regardless of organizational mission.
The booklet may be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/BestSafetyPractices
In a statement, CAIR-Columbus Executive Director Romin Iqbal said:
“We mourn the heartbreaking killings of men, women and children gathered for prayer in their houses of worship in an attack that was motivated by anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant hate. In the wake of this tragedy, we urge mosques, Islamic schools and other community institutions in Central Ohio to take stepped-up security precautions, particularly during times of communal prayer. We also urge local police departments to provide additional security and increased patrolling of local mosques and Muslim institutions in Central Ohio”
“Instead of spreading the hate-filled message of terrorists, we should share messages of love and solidarity with the loved ones of those killed or injured in the attacks,” said Iqbal.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has three affiliates in Ohio in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Romin Iqbal, 614.783.7953, riqbal@cair.com; CAIR-Columbus Government Affairs Coordinator, Usjid Hameed, 410.805.4215, uhameed@cair.com