AhlulBayt News Agency: A recent act of vandalism targeting the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) in Los Angeles has been condemned as an attack on diversity and tolerance.
The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) issued a statement on Wednesday, denouncing the incident that occurred a few days earlier.
On Monday, May 12, ICSC reported a disturbing act of vandalism on the exterior wall of the mosque and nearby trees, describing the graffiti as potentially hate-motivated symbols, as identified by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Following the incident, the LAPD’s Major Crimes Division launched a hate crime investigation.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush emphasized that the Islamic Center represents faith and service to the community. He condemned the attack as an assault on values of diversity and tolerance, particularly amid rising anti-Muslim rhetoric across the country.
"This attempt to intimidate and marginalize our community is deeply concerning," Ayloush said, adding that hate and bigotry must not go unchecked, regardless of faith or background. He welcomed the LAPD’s swift investigation into the matter.
Ayloush also highlighted CAIR’s advisory on religious facility safety, referring to the "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety" booklet.
ICSC announced plans to hold a press conference on Friday, May 16, alongside LAPD and local civic leaders, to update the community on the investigation.
On Wednesday, CAIR’s national office also condemned vandalism at Mitchell Congregational United Church of Christ in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Earlier this year, CAIR published its 2025 Civil Rights Report, "Unconstitutional Crackdowns," highlighting that Islamophobia remains at an all-time high across the country. The report noted that viewpoint discrimination against activists opposing genocide and apartheid was a key issue in several cases.
CAIR-LA is the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in Southern California, working to promote justice, protect civil rights, and empower American Muslims.
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