NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called on the FBI to investigate an apparently bias-motivated assault on a Queens man of Afghan heritage who was stabbed repeatedly outside a mosque by an attacker shouting anti-Muslim comments. A friend of the victim reported that the alleged attacker said "he doesn't like Muslims."

SEE: Attacker Screamed Anti-Muslim Rant (NY Daily News)
http://tinyurl.com/aqob3v4

"The FBI should add its resources to the investigation of this apparent hate crime, and state and national leaders should address the rising level of anti-Muslim bigotry that inevitably results in such disturbing incidents," said CAIR-NY Executive Director Muneer Awad.

[OKLAHOMA MEDIA ADVISORY: On Monday, November 19, representatives of the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) will meet a Muslim Air force veteran who had been barred from returning to Oklahoma when he finally arrives at Will Rogers World Airport. SEE: Oklahoma Muslim on No-Fly List to Return to U.S. - http://tinyurl.com/bl3necp]

In October, CAIR's Washington state chapter (CAIR-WA) called on the FBI to investigate an apparent anti-Muslim hate attack on a Sikh taxi driver in that state. The driver was allegedly attacked by a man shouting anti-Muslim slurs after he commented on the cabbie's turban. [NOTE: Sikh men who wear beards and turbans as part of their faith are often targeted by bigots who mistake them for Muslims.]

SEE: CAIR-WA Seeks FBI Probe of Anti-Muslim Attack on Sikh Cabbie
http://tinyurl.com/bjsdrlm

Also last month, CAIR welcomed federal hate crime charges filed against an Indiana man who allegedly torched an Ohio mosque, causing more than $1 million in damage.

SEE: CAIR Welcomes Federal Hate Crime Charges for Ohio Mosque Arson
http://tinyurl.com/b5chy5q

Other American Muslim institutions have been targeted during a recent spike in hate incidents. In September, CAIR called on the FBI to investigate hate vandalism at mosques in Virginia and New York. In August, CAIR asked authorities to investigate a suspicious fire at a mosque in Minnesota.

CAIR: Burned Mosque to be Constructed Inside Joplin City Limits
http://tinyurl.com/9hqfl2b
CAIR Report: Thirteen Days in Ramadan 2012
http://www.cair.com/portals/0/pdf/Ramadan2012incidents.pdf
CAIR: Anti-Muslim Attacks Continue
http://www.salon.com/2012/10/05/anti_muslim_attacks_continue

CAIR recently submitted written testimony for a Senate hearing on hate crimes and the threat of domestic extremism.

SEE: CAIR's Written Testimony to Senate Hearing
http://tinyurl.com/9om5zmy

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.

Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational
Subscribe to CAIR's E-Mail List
http://tinyurl.com/cairsubscribe
Subscribe to CAIR's Twitter Feed
http://twitter.com/cairnational
Subscribe to CAIR's YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/cairtv

CONTACT: CAIR-NY Advocacy Director Cyrus McGoldrick, Cell: 203-206-6883, cmcgoldrick@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)