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Texas: Vandalism and Suspected Arson at Arlington Mosque

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of worship for ALL people — without exception.

In Arlington, Texas, police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) are in the process of investigating whether hate crimes were committed in the vandalism and arson attacks at the Dar El-Eman Islamic Center mosque on Mansfield Road.  The mosque was the target of graffiti vandalism, suspected arson in the children’s playground, and harassment of mosque attendees by passers-by in an automobile.

On July 23, 2010, vulgar graffiti with derogatory messages were found spray-painted on the parking lot, and on July 25, 2010, there was a suspected arson attack on a children’s playground in the mosque area.  When firefighters arrived to the scene, the fire had burned out, but there was extensive damage to the playground equipment.

Anyone with information is asked to call Arlington, Texas police. They ask anyone with information to call them at (817) 459-6640. The FBI is also working the case.

Texas: Burned Children's Playground at Arlington Mosque (Photo: Arlington, Texas Police Department)

Texas: Burned Children's Playground at Arlington Mosque (Photo: Arlington, Texas Police Department)

The Dallas Morning News reported that “Jamal Qaddura, president of the DFW Islamic Educational Center, said the spray-painted obscenities were about 15 feet high. Damage to the playground equipment, he said, was estimated at $20,000.”  The Dallas Morning News also reported that Muslims going to Dallas area worship services were harassed, stating ” Qaddura said worshippers at the mosque were subjected to racial slurs yelled by a carload of people after services Sunday evening.  ‘I don’t want to repeat them,’ he said. ‘You don’t want to hear them. About our religion, and about us.'”   WFAA reported that “Qaddura believes the damage is related to resentment over a planned Islamic community center near ground zero in Manhattan.”

The Dallas Morning News also has a video on the news subject.

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Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all people of all faiths, including the freedom of religion supported under Article 1 of the United States ConstitutionArticle 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

We urge those who promote hate and intolerance to unburden the hate from their hearts.

We urge all to Choose Love, Not Hate.  Love Wins.