19 Jun. 24: The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), America’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, has condemned a hate-filled verbal attack on Muslims from the Islamic Center of San Francisco during their Eid al-Adha prayers at McLaren Park on Monday morning.
The incident, captured on video, shows a man approaching the group and making racist and Islamophobic remarks. He is heard saying, “Your religion is full of hate,” followed by offensive language such as, “You come from a f—ked-up country,” and “You’re not welcome here, you expletive.” The verbal abuse culminated with him calling the group “devils.”
CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo condemned the incident in a statement:
“This kind of hate speech is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. The Muslim community, like any other community, has the right to gather and worship in peace. Such incidents underscore the urgent need to address the rise in Islamophobia across our nation.
“This hostility and ignorance harm not only those directly targeted but also the broader society by fostering division and intolerance. We urge community leaders, public officials, and all people of conscience to stand with us in denouncing such acts of hate.”
Shahbaz Shaikh, a board member of the Islamic Center of San Francisco, also commented:
“I have been a part of this community for many years and have never seen anything like this in San Francisco before. It was a horrible and sad incident. We felt very unsafe, and it was shocking the way the man was so casual with his racism and xenophobia.”
This incident coincides with CAIR’s recently released report documenting the highest number of Islamophobic incidents in its 30-year history. The report highlights a troubling increase in anti-Muslim sentiment and calls for immediate action to combat this pervasive issue.
CAIR-SFBA reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the rights of all individuals to practice their faith free from fear and discrimination. The organization encourages anyone experiencing acts of aggression, racism, or Islamophobia to contact its Civil Rights Department.
CAIR-SFBA is part of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, dedicated to enhancing the understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.
