CAIR-CA Welcomes $76 Million to Protect against Hate Crimes
By Elaine Pasquini
Sacramento: The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) praised California Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that $76 million in grant funding is now available to bolster safety and security in faith communities and nonprofits and combat the rise of hate crimes in California.
Governor Newsom’s official statement released on July 30, 2024, revealed that California will be expediting the funding to increase protection for communities at high risk for hate crimes, particularly mosques, synagogues and organizations serving the state’s Black communities.
The funding is provided through the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program, an initiative that aims to improve safety and security for nonprofits. The program provides grants for security enhancements including doors, gates, high-intensity lighting, access control systems, and inspection and screening systems.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“As indicated by the alarming increase in reported hate crimes, there is still much more work that needs to be done in addressing hate in California and ensuring that vulnerable groups feel safe in their houses of worship and community spaces. This expansion of funding highlights the state’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its Muslim, Jewish, Arab, Palestinian, and Black communities, and all communities impacted by the rise in hate and bigotry. We welcome this decision and encourage mosques and Muslim nonprofits in California to apply and proactively protect their communities from hate.”
Ayloush also emphasized the importance of reporting all complaints and incidents, even if action or follow-up isn’t requested. Victims of hate crimes or incidents are urged to immediately contact a CAIR-CA office to file a report.
Since October 7, CAIR-CA has received an increase in reports of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian bias. In 2023, its statewide civil rights department received over 700 intakes, with 150 alleging Islamophobic, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab hate crimes and incidents.
CAIR’s national office in Washington, DC announced on July 30, 2024, that the surge in anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate that began in October 2023 has continued into the first half of 2024. From January to June, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming complaints—a 69 percent increase over the same period last year. CAIR’s 2024 Civil Rights Report released in April this year reveals the highest number of anti-Muslim incidents ever received in the organization’s 30-year history.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
