Protecting Our Mosques against Hatred and Terrorism

 Los Angeles, CA: At a   press conference   Tuesday, Deputy Chief Mike Downing from the LAPD said, “This hate crime isn’t just against this mosque or the people that worship in this mosque. This hate crime is against humanity, whether you’re a Christian, a Jew or Muslim, a Sikh, a Buddhist - it doesn’t matter.”
Dr Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC President, in a message stated: MPAC and the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) stand in solidarity with Muslim Angelenos and all American Muslims following the   threats of violence   against ICSC, MPAC’s birthplace. Mark Feigin, who made two threatening phone calls against ICSC, was later found in possession of a dozen guns and hundreds of round of ammunition at his home.
“I spoke at the press conference along with our allies from interfaith, City Hall, and law enforcement. Together we called on the Department of Justice to initiate a federal investigation of criminal threats made by Feigin. We also thanked LAPD for their swift actions to protect Muslim Angelenos.
ICSC and mosques across America provide thousands of Muslims with religious and social services, and lead in interfaith engagement. The security of mosques and American Muslims is our priority. We encourage our communities to be vigilant and proactive to protect our religious institutions. We have issued   security tips for places of worship .
“MrFeigin represents the hatred in our country under the guise of patriotism, which leads to divisiveness and violent extremism. We must push back against this bigoted rhetoric towards American Muslims. Not only do we belong in America, but America needs us to perfect our pluralism. We are not intimidated. America is our home.”