The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for repeated acts of vandalism targeting a Muslim-owned business in Idaho. Family members, who are Muslims of Middle Eastern background, say their restaurant has been vandalized at least four times in the last few months, the first two times with eggs thrown at the door. In the third incident, the word "murder" was written in the parking lot. On Sunday, a rock was thrown through the front door, shattering the glass. Boise police are investigating the incidents. "The repeated nature of the incidents, coupled with the word ‘murder' and the religious and ethnic background of the victims, requires that a possible bias motive be investigated," said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. "Too often, Muslims or those who are perceived to be Muslim are being singled out for discrimination and bias." Hooper noted that CAIR will soon issue its annual report on Islamophobia, called "Legislating Fear: Islamophobia and its Impact in the United States." Last month, CAIR expressed solidarity with the Sikh community in California following an apparently bias-motivated attack on a Gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship. The Washington-based civil rights group has called on local and national law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for similar acts of vandalism targeting mosques nationwide. In May, CAIR began distributing new safety and security guidelines to mosques and other houses of worship nationwide. The new CAIR publication, "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety," was produced in response to recent bias attacks, including a series of incidents last year targeting American Muslim institutions. 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. BN
