Press Release - 1/3/2012

Release Date: 1/3/2012 12:00:00 AM

In the Name of God, The Compassionate, The Merciful

All Dulles Area Muslim Society

46903 Sugarland Rd, Sterling VA 20164

www.adamscenter.org

All Dulles Area Muslim Society(ADAMS) is deeply saddened by alleged hate crimes in Queens, NY

The All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) is deeply saddened by the news of a series of alleged xenophobic hate crimes late Sunday Jan 1, 2012, where firebombs were hurled at various locations in Queens, NY. The four sites included a mosque (the Imam Al Khoei Islamic Center in Jamaica , approximately 80 people were inside at the time), an Hispanic bodega, the home of an African American Christian family and the home of a South Asian Hindu family.

We extend our sympathy and full support to all victims of these attacks, which directly conflict with the principles of the United States of America as a country that respects diversity and pluralism. However, we are confident that even the heinous acts of a few misguided and obviously deranged hooligans will not alter the proud and centuries old tradition of America as a beacon for religious freedom, and for welcoming people of all races, religions, backgrounds and cultures.

In the past year, mosques or mosque construction sites in Massachusetts, Oregon, Ohio, New York, Iowa, Maine, Georgia, Missouri, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, California, and Michigan have been targeted by arson, vandalism or threats, and in May 2010, a bomb exploded at a Florida mosque. A recent fire at a Kansas mosque is still under investigation.

In the past 10 years, Sikh-Americans have also seen a rise in bias attacks, both verbal and physical, against them: in 2010, two Sikh Americans were killed in Elk Grove, CA, and another two were shot there in 2011, killing one and badly injuring the second. This was clearly the same twisted backlash that hit American Muslims, directed not just at their faith, but simply because their long beards and turbaned heads are thought to only mean one thing - they are Muslims and therefore legitimate targets for xenophobic hatred!

We encourage all Americans to be extra vigilant in our common fight against behavior that threatens the very core of our nation's principles, and to cooperate with law enforcement Agencies to bring justice to the victims of these attacks. ADAMS works continuously with our local law enforcement, and with national Agencies like the FBI Washington Field Office, to assure the safety of our Muslim community and all other minorities, and to prevent hate crimes while building enduring relationships based on knowledge, respect and cooperation.

We appreciate the devotion and the unflagging efforts of our local government officials to support all minorities in America, and will offer our prayers for the officers handling the Queens incidents to be able to swiftly, fairly and effectively resolve these matters in a way that will send a clear message that any such violence, against any innocent communities in the United States, will never be tolerated.

The All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) is one of the largest Muslim communities/mosques in the DC Metro Area and in the United States. A non-profit 501c(3) Organization, ADAMS serves over 5000 families with 10 branches in Virginia/DC - Sterling/Herndon, Tysons Corner, Fairfax, North Reston, South Reston-Herndon, Ashburn/Leesburg, South Riding, Gainesville, Crystal City, and Washington DC). ADAMS is governed by a 13-member democratically elected board of trustees comprising of men and women, and engages in regular interfaith, government relations, social services and community service. ADAMS also has one of the largest Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Girl Scout programs in the DC Metro area.