CAIR-Oregon to Join Vigil for Victims of Hate Attack on Men Who Defended Muslim Women

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Later today, representatives of the Oregon Ad Hoc Committee of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Oregon)  will take part in a candlelight vigil for two men who were stabbed to death yesterday as they sought to defend Muslim train passengers from an attacker shouting Islamophobic and racist slurs, and for a third man injured in that incident. [NOTE: CAIR is in the process of forming a chapter in Oregon.] #PortlandHeroes

Video: CAIR Rep Ibrahim Hooper Interviewed on CNN About Killing of Men Who Defended Muslim Women
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8u1zQLlZ_E 
CAIR: Anti-Muslim Hate Turns Fatal in Oregon (Huffington Post)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/portland-attack-commuter-train_us_5929362ce4b053f2d2acaf56
CAIR Calls on Trump to Denounce Growing Bigotry After Two People Stabbed to Death in Oregon While Defending Muslim Train Passengers
https://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational/posts/10154820359322695

The vigil, with the theme "In Solidarity We are United," is being hosted by Portland Indivisible Oregon D-3.

SEE: In Solidarity We are United Vigil
https://www.facebook.com/events/1677996529174006

WHAT: Vigil for Victims of Hate Attack
WHEN: Saturday, May 27, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. PDT
WHERE: Hollywood/Northeast 42nd Avenue Transit Center MAX Station, 1410 NE 42nd Ave, Portland, Oregon 97213
CONTACT:  CAIR-Oregon Ad Hoc Committee Members Zakir Khan, [email protected], 626-419-0243; Seemab Hussaini, [email protected], 310-948-2040; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

Later in the evening (8:30 p.m.), there will be another prayer and vigil for the victims, followed by an interfaith Ramadan fast-breaking meal at: Muslim Educational Trust Community Center, 10330 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Tigard, OR 97223

A suspect apprehended following the attack is reportedly a white supremacist who has been photographed giving the Nazi salute.

SEE: Suspect in Portland Hate Crime Murders is a Known White Supremacist
http://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2017/05/27/19041594/suspect-in-portland-hate-crime-murders-is-a-known-white-supremacist

Several GoFundMe pages have been established for the victims and their families. Bilal Mosque in Beaverton, Ore., has set up a fund to help the victims' families. Select the category "Portland Heroes - Families of the MAX incident" at: https://us.mohid.co/or/portland/bma/masjid/online/donation

SEE ALSO: https://www.gofundme.com/tri-met-heroes and https://www.gofundme.com/tri-met-hero-recovery

Yesterday, CAIR's national headquarters called on President Trump to speak out personally against rising bigotry and acts of racial violence in America targeting Muslims and other minority groups.

Video: CAIR Calls on Trump to Speak Out Against Deadly Hate Attack in Oregon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdKguM0BmUQ

CAIR also urged local Muslim communities to step up security measures during the month-long fast of Ramadan.

CAIR is offering Muslim community leaders free copies of its booklet, "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety." The booklet may be requested through CAIR's website: http://www.cair.com/mosque-safety-guide.html

Earlier this week, CAIR condemned the murder of an African-American Bowie State University student by a suspect who is a member of a white supremacist group on Facebook called "Alt-Reich Nation."

SEE: CAIR Condemns Murder of Maryland College Student by Suspect with White Supremacist Links
https://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/14341-cair-condemns-murder-of-maryland-college-student-by-suspect-with-white-supremacist-links.html

CAIR recently released a report showing a 57 percent increase in anti-Muslim incidents in 2016 over the previous year. This spike in anti-Muslim incidents was accompanied by a 44 percent increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes during the same period.

SEE: New CAIR Report Shows More than 50 Percent Spike in Anti-Muslim Incidents
https://www.cair.com/press-center/14322-new-cair-report-shows-more-than-50-percent-spike-in-anti-muslim-incidents.html

Last week, CAIR released an updated report indicating that the most prevalent trigger of anti-Muslim bias incidents in 2017 has been the victim's ethnicity or national origin. Eleven percent of incidents have occurred as a result of an individual being perceived as Muslim. A Muslim woman's headscarf has been a trigger in 8 percent of incidents.

SEE: CAIR's First-Quarter Civil Rights Update Shows Bias Incidents Related to 'Muslim Ban,' Federal Agencies
https://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/14336-cair-s-first-quarter-civil-rights-update-shows-bias-incidents-related-to-muslim-ban-federal-agencies.html

The Washington-based civil rights and advocacy organization urges community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/report

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.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Related Links

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