Violence Against Houses of Worship – Page 4 – Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)

Georgia: Mosque Fire Investigated to Determine if Arson

On July 6, 2010, Marietta, Georgia local news media outlets are reporting on what is being described as a “suspicious fire” at the Marietta mosque, stating that the fire is being investigated to determine if it was arson.

The Marietta mosque that was damaged by fire is on Powder Springs Street in Marietta, Georgia. The Masjid Al-Hedaya describes its location as on Powder Springs Street in Marietta, Georgia. WSB radio reported the fire as “The fire was reported shortly after 11 p.m. Monday at Masjid Al-hedaya on Powder Springs Street in Marietta. The building is also known as the Islamic Center of Marietta.” WSBTV has described this as the “Masjid Al Head mosque.” Local Marietta media are reporting that Muslim attendees at the Masjid Al-Hedaya mosque are uncertain if someone deliberately set the fire. The fire started after the last prayer session. Reports state that damage to the mosque is “extensive.” According to reports, the fire destroyed the front entrance and did significant damage to the main prayer hall. The local imam Hafiz Inayatullah told WSBTV that “We locked the door and everything and we left and suddenly he called me and said, ‘There’s fire’.”

Marietta, Georgia - Area Near the Masjid Al-Hedaya Mosque

On June 15, 2010, the Marietta Daily Journal published a column by a writer warning about the construction of mosques in the United States.

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Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) urges all to assist law enforcement agencies in their investigation. If this fire was the result of arson, we urge that all Americans help law enforcement agencies to aid in identifying those responsible. Our universal human rights include our freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of worship for all people. We urge all to Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.

Pakistan: Sufi Muslim Shrine Attacked – Many Killed

In Lahore, Pakistan, two suicide bombers blew themselves up among crowds of worshipers at the shrine to Sufi saint Data Ganj Bakhsh in Lahore, capital of Punjab province. 43 have been reported killed in this terrorist attack and atrocity against human rights. Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) condemns this attack on those seeking to exercise their freedom of religion and freedom of worship, and we support such religious freedoms as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18.

R.E.A.L. urges all people to Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.

Security officials examine the site of suicide bomb attacks at the Saint Syed Ali bin Osman Al-Hajvery shrine, popularly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh in Lahore on July 2, 2010. - Photo by AFP.

Media Reports:

AP / GEO TV VIDEO: CCTV shows Lahore Suicide Bomber at Data Darbar Sufi Shrine

CNN: Pakistan: Muslim Shrine Attacked by Twin Bomb Blasts
— Police say twin bomb blasts at a Sufi shrine in the Pakistani city of Lahore

AFP: Protest strike in Pakistan over shrine bombing

Dawn: Terrorists tear into heart of Lahore
— Media Gallery

Dawn: Data Darbar attack

Pakistan Daily Times: World shocked by horrific attack – on Sufi Muslim shrine

Times of India: Bloodbath at sufi shrine in Lahore

Times of India: Mosque attacks becoming a trend in ‘divided’ Pak

Daily Telegraph: Pakistan braced for wave of terror after shrine attack

Pakistan Daily Times: Security beefed up at shrines, worship places

Pakistan Daily Times: Shrines in Sindh easy prey for terrorists?

CBS: Taliban Militants Prime Suspects in Triple Pakistan Suicide Bombings
— Pakistan Daily Times: Taliban denies role in Lahore blasts

Washington State: Muslim Van Vandalized Outside Mosque in Bellevue

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) condemns religious intolerance, and we promote freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all of our fellow human beings. We are shocked and disturbed to hear of the report in Seattle, Washington suburb of a Muslim van being vandalized, outside of the Islamic Center of Eastside (Bellevue Masjid), in Bellevue Washington.

Islamic Center of Eastside, Bellevue, WA (Bellevue Masjid)

The Muslim van was vandalized with dog feces on the front and side windows. It was clearly labeled as a Muslim van. The vehicle was targeted, while other vehicles were ignored. The mosque sits next to a Mormon church which was not vandalized.

Muslim Van Vandalized in Bellevue - Across Street from Muslim Mosque and Mormon Church

Local Bellevue Muslims have been calling for law enforcement authorities to investigate the vandalism as a “hate crime,” according a KIRO video interviewing local residents. In addition, most other local non-Muslim residents interviewed also stated that they viewed it as a “hate crime.”

The Bellevue police say that it “malicious mischief”, but say that since there were no threats, they are not investigating it as a “hate crime” at this time. The Bellevue police have stated that they are increasing police patrols near the mosque, but without any video or witnesses, they believe that they have limited evidence for an investigation.

The Bellevue Reporter quoted Police captain Patrick Spak as stating: “We have to keep this in perspective. The van is not damaged and the building is not damaged. From a police department perspective, we don’t want to over-react, but we don’t want to under-react.”

Dog Feces Vandalism of Muslim Van in Bellevue, WA (Photo: KIRO Video Clip)

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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. Article 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.

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Other Media Reports:

— KIRO: Van Outside Mosque Apparently Smeared With Dog Feces

— KIRO video

— Bellevue Reporter: Feces smeared on Muslim van near Bellevue mosque

— Seattle Post Intelligencer: Feces smeared on Muslim van near Bellevue mosque

— Seattle Post Intelligencer: Group says van parked near mosque vandalized

Russia: Bombing of Jewish Synagogue

Media sources report that a Jewish synagogue in the central Russian city of Tver was damaged by a “homemade bomb” in the middle of the night, but no one was hurt.

— ITAR-TASS reports: “The explosion hit the synagogue at about 02:00 a.m. Moscow time , damaging its entryway and breaking out window glasses in nearby houses, said Igor Elgardt, the chairman of the regional organization Jewish National and Cultural Autonomy.”
— “‘This is not the first vandalism case here,’ he said. ‘Previously, anti-Semitic writings appeared on the synagogue’s wall. There are reports that anti-Semitic leaflets are circulated in the city.'”

— ITAR-TASS also reports: “Anti-Semitic writings have appeared on the walls of the synagogue, anti-Semitic leaflets have been circulated in the city and some 140 graves were vandalized in the Jewish part of the local cemetery in 2009, the statement said.”

Media Report Listing:

— ITAR-TASS: Explosion hits synagogue in Russia’s Tver, no one hurt
— ITAR-TASS: No injuries in synagogue bombing in Tver, Russia (updated)
— JTA: Bomb explodes near synagogue in Russia
— YWN: Shul Attacked in Russia
— IOL: Blast rocks Russian synagogue
— YouTube Video
— CFCA report
— CFCA photos

— Tver, Russia – Explosion Hits Synagogue, No One Hurt

Wisconsin: Wilson Mosque Vandalism

The Sheboygan, Wisconsin Crime Stoppers report on vandalism against the Wilson, Wisconsin mosque that was the source of protests.

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SHEBOYGAN COUNTYWIDE CRIME STOPPERS

1-877-283-8436 (TOLL FREE)

CRIME OF THE WEEK

DATE OF CRIME: FRI, JUNE 4TH OR SAT, JUNE 5TH

LOCATION OF CRIME: 9110 SAUK TRAIL RD, ISLAMIC SOCIETY MOSQUE TOWN OF WILSON

TYPE OF CRIME: VANDALISM

On Saturday, June 5th the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Dept. took a report of vandalism to the Islamic Society Mosque located at W9110 Sauk Trail Rd in the Town of Wilson. Sometime overnight on Friday, June 4th into Saturday, June 5th large asphalt chunks were thrown at the East side windows of the building causing damage to the screens and windows.

If you have information about this crime or any other crimes please call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-283-8436, 1-877-CUF-THEM. You will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward up to $1000.

Detective Ethan J Weber Phone: (920) 459-3857

Detective Mark Mancl Phone: (920)459-3112

Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department

FAX (920)459-4305

Wilson Mosque Protest: A member of the audience expresses her views Monday night while a speaker addresses the Town of Wilson Town Board on whether to grant a conditional use permit for a mosque in the town. Photo by Gary C. Klein/The Sheboygan Press (The Sheboygan Press)

New York Legislators Seek to Make Vandalism Outside House of Worship a Felony

New York state legislators plan to make vandalism outside of a house of worship a felony punishable by at least one year in jail. The New York State bill is being led by State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein and Assemblyman George Latimer (S.1909/A.180). The bill had passed the New York State Senate, and State Senator Jeffrey Klein is encouraging the New York State Assembly and the Governor to pass and support this legislation. Senator Klein is the grandson of Holocaust survivors, and during his press conference stated why the need to protect houses of worship is so vital to American religious freedom.

Senator Jeffrey Klein stated that “unfortunately there are still those who interfere with our ability to practice our religion and worship God. So my legislation, I think, is going to a long way towards making sure that we can do that.” He stated “What makes me angry is there are still some who chalk this up as children playing pranks. Well that’s absolute nonsense, and I think we have to punish those who interfere with our right to practice our religion.” He indicated that today in the New York state law there is a loophole, where someone can commit vandalism outside a house of worship and it is a misdemeanor, while committing vandalism inside the house of worship is a felony. Senator Jeffrey Klein concluded “we have to put an end to this type of violence, we have to put an end to these types of crimes of hate.”

New York State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein Calls for Bill to Make Vandalism Outside a House of Worship a Felony in New York

State Senator Jeffrey Klein has long championed such issues and had previously promoted a bill to protect houses of worship in 2006.

Such sentiments were echoed by New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan and Rabbi Joe Potasnik of the New York Board of Rabbis.

Regarding attacks on houses of worship, Archbishop Dolan stated: “A house of worship represents safety, security, peace, love, acceptance, the most noble aspirations that we as human beings have. When we vandalize that, when we wreck that, when we deface that, as the senator said, we strike right at the heart of what makes us great as Americans and people of faith.”

Rabbi Joe Potasnik stated: “Someone who wants to hurt one of us, hurts all of us… It is said if you are compassionate to the cruel, you end up being cruel to the compassionate. If we don’t have legislation in place that punishes the perpetrators, we cannot fulfill our moral mandate.”

New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan and Rabbi Joe Potasnik of the New York Board of Rabbis Call for Tougher Laws Against House of Worship Vandalism

Other Media Reports:

— The Journal News: Klein bill makes anti-religious vandalism a felony

— WPIX: Church And Synagogue Vandals Targeted For Tougher Sentencing

— NY1 News: Lawmakers Seek To Toughen Penalty For Vandalizing Houses Of Worship

— WPIX Video

Other Reports:

— June 5, 2010: Love Gospel Church Vandalism in Bronx

— February 10, 2006: Senator Klein Press Release: Senator Klein Introduces Legislation To Protect Houses Of Worship

Florida: Malabar church victim of vandalism

There have been reports of repeated vandalism attacks on a Florida church, including bullet holes in the church’s sign. The vandals are determined to disrupt the church’s religious services, and broken crosses and sought to disrupt the electricity to the building.

In May 2006, reports of vandalism against the church led it build a new facility.

Florida: Reverend Pauline Borland Speaks on Continuing Vandalism Against Malabar Church (Photo: Still Clip from Florida Today Video)

— Florida Today reports: “It was the second attack at the God’s Healing Holiness Christian Church at 1690 Marie St. in a little over a week, and the fifth in the past two years”
— “Vandals hit a Malabar church Sunday night, cutting power to the building and smashing a water pipe.”
— “Church leaders previously have found the water lines broken and the power disrupted. They’ve also found bullet holes in the church’s sign, crosses broken in the rear of the building, bulbs unscrewed in parking lot lights and the lawn torn up by off-road vehicles.”

— Florida Today Video Report

NYC: Terrorist Threats Continue in NY Post Mosque Articles’ Comments Section

On the New York Post website, at least one individual is continuing to use the reader “comments” sections to post terrorist threats calling for Americans to “blow up” the planned 45 Park Place, NYC mosque renovation, which has been called in the press the “ground zero mosque” (it is two blocks away from the “Ground Zero” 9/11 attack area).

As we reported on June 3, 2010, individuals have been using the NY Post reader “comments” section on articles about the 45 Park Place renovation and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf to post hateful comments and to post open terrorist threats calling for the facility to be “blown up.”

We first noticed this in a NY Post article dated May 24, 2010, where a reader “Truthful” writes in the comments section that “I say let them build it and when that expensive beautiful building is built, someone should blow it up… 9when it is filled with people… What a fitting tribute to 9-11.”

May 24, 2010 - New York Post Reader Comment on 45 Park Place Mosque - Calling for Terrorist Bombing

On June 5, 2010, such threats were once again made on the NY Post website. One of the individuals making such public threats calls himself “Truthful,” “TheTruth15,” “Herman Muster,” and other screen names.

In the June 5, 2010 NY Post article, “Imam unmosqued – Ground Zero booster tied to sea clash,” by writer Andy Poltis, the New York Post links Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf as a member of a group Perdana Global Peace Organization that has provided funding for the Gaza flotilla.

The June 5 reader comments, below the article, calling for terrorism in NYC in the reader comments of the NY Post state that:
— “I know I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again: After it’s built, blow it up. Preferable on a Friday afternoon…” and “I am… advocating death again”
— (graphic snapshots of hate comments – June 5, 2010 image 1, image 2, May 24)

June 5, 2010 - New York Post Reader Comment on 45 Park Place Mosque - Calling for Terrorist Bombing

Articles on Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and the 45 Park Place mosque have seen a wide range of hate comments in the New York Post reader comments section of the newspaper, in addition to the above blatant calls for terrorist violence.

Calls for violence by Americans against the 45 Park Place mosque have also included an open call for the bombing of the 45 Park Place mosque, during a broadcast from the KPRC-950 AM radio station by Michael Berry, a regular broadcaster with a daily program on that radio station.

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) condemns such calls for hate and terrorism.

R.E.A.L. has reported these comments for abuse and is writing the author of the June 5 New York Post article on this, so that the New York Post can be more vigilant in reviewing comments on such articles. We will update this post with any comments we hear back from the New York Post.

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Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) promotes our universal human rights for all people and for all Americans. We reject calls for hate and violence. We reject calls to deny any of our fellow human beings their universal human rights, including their freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of worship. We urge our fellow Americans to be consistently responsible for equality and liberty – for all people.

Choose Love, Not Hate. Love Wins.

NYC: Radio Show Host Michael Berry Says if NYC Mosque Built, He Hopes “Somebody Blows it Up”

Chron reports: “Berry under fire for mosque bomb remark”
— Chron reports: “In comments Wednesday on KPRC-950 AM, Michael Berry said, I’ll tell you this — if you do build a mosque, I hope somebody blows it up.’ Berry added: ‘I hope the mosque isn’t built, and if it is, I hope it’s blown up, and I mean that.'”
— National Review: “Conservative Radio Host Michael Berry Calls For Bombing of Ground Zero Mosque”
— Hear for yourself
http://www.unitedstatesaction.com/real/nyc/michaelberry.wav

We defend our universal human rights for all people, including the right of freedom of religion, freedom of worship. We urge all to Choose Love, Not Hate. Love Wins.

Pakistan: Terrorist Attack on Two Mosques During Prayers – 98 Killed

In Pakistan’s Lahore, terrorist attacks on two minority Muslim mosques have reportedly left 98 killed. The attacks are suspected to be the actions of the religious extremist Taliban organization, which used a combination of grenades, guns, and suicide bomb vests to attack worshipers during Friday Muslim prayers at two mosques by the minority Ahmadi Muslim sect, which represent 4 million Pakistani Muslims. The attacks took place at the in Garhi Shahu and Model Town mosques, while thousands were attending worship services. Dawn reported that at the Garhi Shahu mosque, terrorists exploded two suicide vests inside the entrance, injuring nearly 100 worshipers. Multiple reports stated that the terrorists also took Muslim worshipers hostage during the attacks on the two mosques. GEO Pakistan reported that the terrorist attacks took place while people where praying. The Ahmadi Muslims have received threats over the past year, but this did not deter them from exercising their universal human right of freedom of religion and freedom of worship. The Punjab province, where Lahore is the capital, is also a haven for many of the Taliban organizations. The Pakistan Interior Minister indicated today that the Pakistan Taliban and similar organizations were being suspected for the mosque attacks in Lahore on May 28, 2010.

Terrorist Attack on Pakistani Mosques Leaves Muslims Injured (Photo: K.M. Chuadary / AP)

The Ahmadi minority Muslims face discrimination throughout Pakistan according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which states that they face “the most severe legal restrictions and officially-sanctioned discrimination” (2009 USCIRF Report page 6). In 1974, the Pakistan government declared that the Ahmadi minority Muslims were “non-Muslims,” and in 1984, the Ahmadi Muslims were banned from proselytizing and identifying themselves as Muslims.

Once again, this demonstrates the importance of consistently defending freedom of religion and freedom of worship for all people around the world — without exception.

Raw Video of Police Response to Terrorist Attack on Mosques in Lahore:

Other Media reports:
— The Statesman: Punjab Taliban responsible for mosque attacks: Captured terrorist
— GEO Pakistan: Lahore attacks leave over 80 dead
— CNN: Death toll rises to 98 in Pakistan attacks
— CNN: At least 80 killed in Lahore attacks
— LA Times: 76 dead in attacks on Pakistan mosques
— AFP: US condemns violence against minority sect in Pakistan
— Dawn: Attackers target Lahore’s Ahmadi worshippers; 70 dead
— Times of India: Taliban militants attack Lahore mosques, kill 70
— BBC: Soft target for militants in Lahore
— Time Magazine: Sectarian Attacks on Lahore Mosques Kill More than 80
— The Express Tribune: Ahmadis under attack
— U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 2009 Report on Pakistan
— Additional R.E.A.L. Postings on Pakistan